Summary: If bearing a son to the one you love was supposed to be a happy occasion, then why is Almedha's world so dark? When a single ray of light shines through her darkness, she finds the will to call out for it; but will it be prepared for the events to come?
I always imagined that Almedha's description of Rajaion's capture were just a little different than what she let Micaiah know. So, this is what I came up with. Please enjoy "In a Dragon's Heart".
Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem. If I did, I would have given the players a lot more Support Endings in Radiant Dawn. :/
Chapter 1: Through the Dark
Alone in her bedchambers, Almedha could only stare at the ceiling. Her heart ached and hot tears threatened to spill out of her eyes as she took in deep breaths to calm herself. Hours ago she had her child; a son, she was told, and she wished to hold him in her arms and whisper a name (it hurt her to realize that her baby boy was still nameless) into his ears as she bonded with him.
Unfortunately, she was not in the best of situations. Almedha was now isolated, and none were allowed to come near the chambers. Clutching the heavy white sheets that were draped over her body, she fought a battle to keep herself sane. Her love wouldn't do this to her, not after all that she had proved to him. Ashnard is only bonding with our boy, she told herself, he will be back soon so that we may become a family.
Almedha told herself this over and over, yet she knew that it was not true. Ashnard wasn't coming back with her baby boy, and once he found out about the fact that she was now powerless... She couldn't even bare to think about that.
"But my son," she whispered to herself, "please, let him be safe."
Ashnard would never hurt the boy, she believed, as long as he showed some strength. A transformation would make him happy, but he would have none. Branded children would never have any hopes of transformation. Magic, perhaps, or even strength with a blade would make her power-hungry lover happy. But would he be patient enough to see what abilities the boy held?
No, he wouldn't, was Almedha's conclusion. Ashnard would give her baby boy a month, tops, to show him some sort of power or ability. If he had none, Ashnard would deem the baby useless and then he would be discarded.
Much like herself, Almedha thought bitterly.
But would her love give her the baby before throwing them out to the dogs? She was unsure of this answer; she was afraid of this answer. All she wanted was to hold her son, and for that she needed a plan. After long, silent moments passed over, and her mind drew a blank, Almedha knew that she was hopeless.
No one would help her, and with the maids under the impression that she needed her rest, they would never dare come within a foot of her door. She was truly alone in the dark, cold bedchambers while her son was left with his father, helpless to the mood swings of an angry king.
Almedha needed someone's help, but whom? Would anyone be so bold as to answer her desperate plea?
She thought of the loyal guard who always watched over her, but soon remembered that it was most likely the order of her beloved Ashnard, and not a voluntary service. Who else would be willing to come to her aid?
Rolling onto her side, she fingered the top of a jewelry box that Ashnard presented to her as a gift when she became his mistress. Opening it, she rummaged through it without a second thought before pulling out a bright blue stone. The sending stone is still here, Almedha thought as a wave of relief washed over her, Ashnard must not have known what it was.
She remembered, almost bitterly, when she received this particular sending stone. Almedha was leaving the safety of Goldoa to explore the outside world, a world which had always intrigued her and sparked an endless curiosity, but her beloved brother Rajaion stopped her, pleading with her to stay. She refused him, of course, and he only sighed in frustration before placing the cold stone in her hand and closing her fingers around it. They stood there for only a moment before Rajaion stated, "If you ever need me, do not hesitate to call on me. No matter what, I'll come to you."
Thinking back on it, Almedha wondered why he had let her go so easily. Rajaion surely could have overpowered her, and dragged her right back to their father; but he didn't. He knew she needed to go, just as much as she knew it, and he let her.
She sighed before letting the cool stone touch her bare chest. With this, she knew who could come to her aid.
Almedha was no longer alone.
