Thank you everyone who reviewed and at least read it. Any and all
feedback is much apprecitaed. But, being fellow authors, you know that,
right? ;)
I don't own Fire Emblem. We've gone over this, yes?
Chapter 2
"But, won't your father be angry?"
"Why? We're just practicing sword fighting! We'll be careful! Besides, we'll be in the garden, so we won't break anything this time!"
"I don't know..."
"Ah, c'mon, Wolt! It'll be fun!"
"Okay, I guess..."
"Yay! Let's go! I'm... Captain Fargus of the great pirate ship, Valor! And, you're my trusted first mate, Dart!"
"Aw, why am I always the sidekick!?"
"Because, he's your uncle. And, I said so, that's why! Arrgh! There be some treasure around here, matey!"
We were going to play pirates today, a game we played almost every day, if we weren't acting out some other part of Lord Eliwood's stories, or if Roy didn't have lessons. And, I was Dart, again! Roy always got to be the best people. But, still, those stories were so cool! And, I didn't mind being the sidekick because I still had fun. Mommy and Daddy were in the stories, too sometimes. Did you know that?
"Arrgh, first mate Dart, report on the location of me treasure!"
"Yes sir! It appears that this time, the treasure is located underneath the apple tree on the far side of the garden."
"No, no no! You're doing it all wrong! Give it a cool name, like... The treasure is buried under the tree of death protected by man-eating snakes on the island of Caledonia!"
"Okay, the treasure is... wherever you said."
"Under the tree of death, protected by man-eating snakes on the island of Caledonia."
"Yeah, there. All ready to set sail, cap'n!"
"Shove off, me matey, arrgh!"
We left the room and headed down the hallway, Roy was practically running with excitement. I had a hard time keeping up. All of the people in the castle stopped what they were doing and watched us as we passed by. I waved to everybody. And everybody waved back. I felt all warm and tingly when everybody smiled and waved at us. Being nice can be so fun!
We made it to the garden in one piece. The nasty sea serpents from the Dreaded Isle didn't catch us this time. A garden is a place with lots of plants and trees. Our garden has a lot of plants and trees. But, Roy keeps pretending that the plants are monsters that attack us. It's fun except sometimes we break the plants and then Mommy yells at us. She likes to take care of the plants in our garden. She says that if we cut off some branches or take off some leaves, it hurts the plants. I don't want to hurt the plants, but Roy doesn't seem to mind. I want to stop him, but Roy doesn't listen to me sometimes.
"Arrgh, first mate Dart! There appears to be a hideous beast guarding the treasure. We need to be careful! The evil Gorgon can turn you to stone if she looks at you!"
"Gorgon? Hideous? Whatever are you talking about? I think if anything I should be the damsel in distress!"
"AH! Don't listen to her! She's trying to trick us! Don't look!"
"Um... Hi, Mommy!"
"No! Don't fall for it! No, Dart!"
Mommy was picking some of the apples from the apple tree. They looked very big and very delicious. I don't really like apples, though. I like pears better. But, Roy loves apples. And, he thinks pears are disgusting. I told this to Daddy. He said that Roy doesn't know what he's missing and that it's okay that Roy and I don't like the same things.
But, I don't like being different. I like doing the same things as Roy.
I walked over to see what else was in her bag. When I looked in, she grabbed me. I started laughing as she was tickling me.
I'm very ticklish. But, not as ticklish as Roy. I always win tickle fights.
"Dart! NO! I won't forgive you, you evil creature!" Roy drew his sword and pointed it at Mommy. She stopped tickling me and put me down.
"Ah! The little human is attacking me! Go, minion, take care of him for me!" She pushed me forward. I also drew my sword and crossed it with Roy's.
"So, Dart, you traitor! You were working for the evil Gorgon all along! Well, I wasn't fooled a minute! Let's go!" Roy started out by slashing forward. I blocked and pushed his sword away. We continued like this for a long time. Since we battle all the time, we both know what we were going to do, so it was very hard to win. Except, that Roy recently learned how to do a stabbing motion from his dad. He kept winning every time he did it. So, I asked Daddy what I should do.
Roy started to motion for the stabbing technique. I parried the thrust away, but Roy was still moving forward. Just like Daddy said. As he moved forward, I did a quick sweeping motion with my leg. Roy tripped and went flying into a nearby bush.
"Yay! My hero!" Mommy came over and picked me up again. She seemed very happy. I looked over to the bush where Roy landed. Mommy did also. She dropped me and went over to make sure Roy was okay. He stood up. I laughed. He had some leaves in his hair. He looked very silly.
"It's lucky you only play with wooden swords. I didn't realize you two played so roughly!" I looked around to see who said that. But, Roy saw her before I did.
"Grandma!" Roy quickly brushed off the leaves and ran over and hugged her. Mommy and I walked over to greet her.
"How are you today, Lady Eleanora?"
"Ah, my! Miss Rebecca, your son is so polite! I am doing very well today, young sir knight! I was cheering for you the whole time, you know."
"Aw, but grandma, what about me?"
"I've been watching the two of you for a while. You aren't treating your friend very nicely, mister! You need to be less demanding!"
"It's quite all right, Lady Eleanora. I don't mind. Roy is my best friend and we always have fun together!"
"Ah, please. You don't need to be so formal with me. You and Roy are always together, it's no wonder you two aren't brothers. You can call me grandma, too."
"Really?"
"Erm... Lady Eleanora, maybe you shouldn't.."
"Miss Rebecca, I am well aware of who he is. I personally do not see what that has to do with what he can call me. He has grown up here in this household, and will probably be here his whole life. I've had enough of these class strifes in my life."
"Very well, Lady Eleanora. If you wish."
"And that goes double for you! My sister devoted her life to the church and Lord Elbert was an only child. Which means I have room in my family for a niece..."
"Are... you really sure...?"
"From now on, it's Aunt Eleanora, or whatever term of endearment you wish. I am not the Marchioness of Pherae any more. I am just an old woman. As far as I am concerned you are my family..."
Roy and I were getting bored listening to Mommy and Grandma talk, so we left to walk around in the garden. Roy seemed a little mad. He wasn't talking to me, at least.
"Are you all right, Roy? I didn't mean to..."
"I'm okay."
"Um...okay..." He said it very short, and he sounded hurt. I stopped him and looked him over. There was a small cut on his arm. "Look! You're bleeding!"
"Wolt, I'm okay!" He pulled his arm away from me. He looks like he is going to cry.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" Roy just crossed his arms and pouted. But, his cut is still bleeding! He could die!
I remembered something Mommy did when I got cut. She ripped a piece of her clothing and wrapped it around my cut and it stopped bleeding. So, I ripped off part of my shirt sleeve and grabbed Roy's arm. He didn't stop me. I wrapped the piece of my shirt around his arm. "Does it feel better?"
"Wolt, I..."
"Roy! Roy! Where are you? It's time for your horseback riding lesson!"
"That's my mom. I've got to go. Can we play later?"
"Sure!"
Roy turned around and walked away. I watched him run up to his mommy on the other side of the garden. She saw the shirt piece around his arm. They looked over where I was. I quickly hid along another path. I don't know why. I just felt like it.
Since Roy was busy, I decided to just sit here and look at the flowers. They were very pretty. I think I know why Mommy likes the plants so much.
"Wolt, how are you doing?"
I looked up. My daddy was there, in his armor. "Hi, Daddy! How was your meeting with Lord Eliwood?"
"Wolt, I'm not your father. I think you should wake up now."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Daddy?"
"Wolt. Please wake up."
My eyes popped open. I wasn't in the garden of Castle Pherae. I was in my tent. I turned over in my bed. Sir Marcus was sitting next to my bed, looking at me.
"How was your nap?"
"How long were you waiting?"
"I've been here for a while. I was listening to you talk in your sleep. I take it you were reliving a memory?"
"Yes. It was just a memory of Roy and me playing like we always did. Only, I think it was about a few days before the..."
"I understand. You don't need to bring that up. Anyway, I came over to see how you were doing, and to see if I could ask you a favor."
"Oh, well, I think I'm okay. My wound is healing, and it doesn't hurt as much anymore. The healers just want to be careful as they don't know why their magic isn't working as well as it should. They just want to make sure I'm not under the influence of any curse or anything."
"That sounds reasonable. So, you'll be up and ready by the time we face Bern proper?"
"I guess so. Lilina says that we are very close, yes?"
"We are within a few days march from the border. It will be an uphill battle from here. Do you think you can handle it?"
"I... I don't..."
"There you go again, with that lack of confidence! How can you possibly expect to be Roy's main keeper with that attitude? I can't retire until I know that my Lord Roy will be with competent hands!"
"That's just it! How will I know if I'm competent enough? I can't even protect him without becoming a bloody mess! I'm..."
"You will stop right there!" I could feel the violence of his voice. It shocked me completely out of train of thought. "Please, if you want proof that you're capable, you just answered yourself! Think about it, isn't this your first major injury?"
"Well... now that I think about it..."
"Exactly. And, would you mind showing me around camp and pointing out all these so-called people who are better than you that have not received an injury so far at all this campaign?"
"Um...well..."
"Wolt, this is exactly what I've been telling you! No one is perfect, everyone has off days! I admit, back when I first started out with Lord Elbert, I received my fair share of bumps and bruises. But, I kept going. Each scrape was a sign that I could improve. They made me a great soldier."
I had to look him over. His armor indeed was bent and bruised in certain places. But, this was the main caretaker of Pherae. He was still able to put the enemies in their place when most men his age can barely walk anymore. "Wow, that was a powerful speech."
"If you need more proof that you're ready, look at your arm. Lord Roy told me what happened. And, I can say that I'm impressed. Not many members of this army would fling themselves into harm's way to save Master Roy, I'm afraid to say. I think you'll be a perfect vassal!"
"Yeah... a perfect... vassal..." Unfortunately for me, Sir Marcus's speech about... Roy... was only reminding me how much I wanted to be more than just a vassal to Lord Roy... Stop. Please try to stop.
"Exactly! You're the same age, and you're even the best friends! You know all about Master Roy."
"Stop, please. I don't think that's true anymore..."
"What are you saying? Who used to run around the entire castle like a pair of peas in a pod? Who were the completely inseparable duo that terrorized Castle Pherae from dawn 'til dusk?"
"I'm sorry, Sir Marcus, but it isn't like that anymore. For a while, in fact, we've been drifting apart... I can tell. Our conversations aren't like friends anymore. They mostly consist of battle plans and tactics..."
"Well, what else can you expect? We're in a war!"
"I know, but... even before the war started. As we grew older, Roy and I... we just aren't the same as we used to be."
Marcus frowned at me. He seemed quite puzzled. He stared off into the distance, or specifically, the canvas wall of my tent where my quiver was hung up.
"Um, Sir Marcus, are you alright?"
"I'm sorry, I completely forgot what I was going to say."
I didn't know what to say to that. I guess it's another part of growing old... I hope I don't have memory problems when I'm older.
But, I decided not to bring up the topic again. Roy and I really have been... going our separate ways recently. Ever since... he met Lilina. I know why Roy has been distancing himself from me since then, and I don't blame him. I haven't told anybody why though. It really hurts not to be close to him, especially since this... crush of sorts appeared, but I don't want to force him to face his problems.
Not until he was ready, anyway.
"Wolt, if I remember correctly, I'm the old man here. I have a right to space out sporadically. However, you don't!"
"Oh, sorry!" I dragged my mind into the present time frame. "I do believe you were going to tell me about a favor you wanted of me?"
"Ah, yes, now I remember! Well, it's part of being a loyal vassal, a very important part if you ask me!"
"Yes?"
"...I want you to find a good wife for Lord Roy."
"WHAT?" Of all things, I was not expecting that. Did he really just say...?
"Yes, that's correct. I completely set up Lord Elbert and Lady Eleanora. I also saw Lord Eliwood's relationship and pushed it along. However, I'm just not close enough to Lord Roy to even attempt anything. I've tried this whole trip, but all of my attempts have failed miserably. You, on the other hand, know Lord Roy. You can find a suitable spouse for him! I'm sure of it."
"But...but..."
"Wolt, I'm sorry, but I just seem to have lost my touch. I mean, I thought Roy and Lilina would be perfect for each other..."
"Wait, wait, wait...did you just say Roy and Lilina?"
"Yes. I thought that Roy had
feelings for Lilina. I mean they spend so much time together... so, I
led Lilina on, hoping that they could take it themselves. I was
wrong. The moment was perfect..."
"Hold on. Did this happen
to have been when we were returning from the Western Isles?"
"Why, yes, how did you know?"
"Never mind, please continue." Well, this explains how I saw the two of them kissing.
"It was a perfect moment. They were on the bow of the ship, and the sun was just setting."
"The breeze was blowing just slightly..."
"Of course. You seem to know a lot about this romance stuff, huh?"
"No, I was there. I saw them kissing."
"What? No you weren't! I didn't see you anywhere!"
"Wait, were you spying on them?"
"...Okay, so I was! I was behind the crates on the starboard side."
Peeping on a couple certainly doesn't seem like behavior befitting an old man... "I was there long enough to see them kissing. I went to ask Lord Roy a question about a certain battle tactic he had me perform during our invasion of Lord Arcard's castle. They seemed really into it, so I turned around and left them alone. By the way, what happened afterward?" Then again, gossiping isn't exactly the best behavior befitting a proper servant...
"Well, Roy broke it off soon after it started. At first, it seemed like he had spotted an enemy, because he looked around anxiously, and then..."
He paused for a moment. Agh, just when he got to the juicy portion... "Yes?"
"Wolt, what were we talking about, again?"
AAHH!! Calm down, Wolt! It's not his fault that he is like that! Just breathe... "We were about to say good-bye. You were just saying that you needed to help Merlinus compile a full supply record."
"Oh, my! You're quite right! Lord Roy really wanted that report done by the time he returned from his scouting mission! And, he left a long time ago and I haven't started! I'd better go. Rest well, Wolt!" And... he was gone. Just like that. I didn't mean to be mean, but...
'sigh' So, Roy was on this scouting mission. Again, more proof that we're drifting apart. He didn't even tell me what he was going off to search for, much less invite me to participate!
Oh wait. I was unconscious for the past week. Well, he still should have left a note... or something...
This is getting boring. I can't just keep taking naps until someone decides to pop in and see how I'm doing and then inadvertently mess up my emotions! I can't take this...
"Hey, kiddo! How are you doing on this fine day?"
"Hello, Father Saul. I guess I'm doing okay. Sister Ellen was here this morning and said I am recovering well."
"That's good to hear. You were out like a light for a whole week! If you had slept for one more day, then I think we would've been very worried!"
"I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize! It's not your fault, it's the rather harsh fighting technique of the Sacaen swordsman to blame. I managed to decode the passage in Aureola and I found out what's wrong, though I could have just asked Rutgar, since he knows all about it."
"Really?" A conversation that will actually give me some answers...Yay!
"Apparently, it's a common practice for Sacaen swordsmen to dip their swords in Pure Water before major battles. The Pure Water from the sword seeps through the wound and prevents any sort of magic from affecting it, most specifically healing magic. I find that to be a trifle unfair, myself."
"So, I was just attacked by one of these Pure Water swords?"
"Yep! If you want proof..." He reached for his pouch and pulled out his Divine tome...
"Erm, no thanks! I'll take your word for it!" He really was going to attack me? This day needs to end...now.
"Say, though, you don't think you could help me with a problem, do you? While I'm here..."
"Um... okay, just... what favor could you possibly want from me?" Please don't tell me this favor is romance related...
"Well, it's just that... Dorothy and I had a bit of an argument recently... and... I was wondering... if there were some way I could possibly make up for it? Because... she means a lot to me."
"And, you're coming to me, why? Isn't she good friends with Clarine?"
"Well, you're an archer. And, she's an archer. I just thought... maybe... is there something that an archer would really need and that would show that I put a lot of effort into it?"
'sigh' I'm not the best person to come to for gift advice. Sure, I know Dorothy pretty well, but not that well. "Well... recently, she's been complaining about the quality of the bowstrings we've been using. She doesn't like the Ilian wool that the Sacaens use because it chafes her fingers."
"Alright, got it! New bowstrings! Er...any particular kind you would recommend?"
"Well, Bern silk is widely regarded as the best string material, and you'd probably be able to find some at a local store as we're very close to the border... but, they're rather expensive..."
"Alright. Bern silk bowstrings. Got it. Thank you very much for your help, Wolt. Oh, and by the way, according to Aureola, the pure water should dissipate sometime soon, so we can have your arm healed up in a jiffy, OK?" I nodded and waved good-bye to him. He turned to leave, only to bump into Lady Sue, who was at the tent opening.
"Father...Saul..."
"Whatever is the matter, my dear?" It was at this point that we both noticed the large sword scrape across her stomach, and the two arrows protruding out of her back. Father Saul and I rushed to catch her as she collapsed.
