A/n- I was debating who should be followed first and figured Clarine would have more interactions than Rutger would.

Buried in the Sand Chapter 1

When Clarine finally got back home to Etruria a few weeks later she was firm and determined to find out what Lord Eliwood said about Rutger and his mother was true. She didn't quite believe him when he said it, but with the confidence he had in his words it gave her a glimmer of hope.

"I don't think he knows this, but his mother was a noble in Caelin for a short while. I don't know why exactly she wouldn't tell him something like that, but I know for certain that it's the truth." His words rang in her head as she went to Etruria's best libraries and scholars to find the truth. The problem was that since her problem didn't really involve anyone important from Etruria, she couldn't find any information. So she had to go to the smartest person she knew, her father. She doubted that he would know anything, but it was worth a shot. He was quite the busy man still, but he always had time for tea with her mother, and that's where she found him.

"Ah Clarine, I've been wondering where you've been." He said as he got up from his chair to come over and give her a hug. "Ever since you've been back I've barely seen you. Though I've heard rumors that you've been spotted with your head in a book multiple times, trying to follow after me I see." He was joking of course, he didn't know why she was acting so differently, but he was more curious than anything.

"Well, I've always looked up to you and mother, but actually I've come to see you for a different reason." Clarine answered him.

"I see. Well, why don't you join me and your mother and you can tell us over a nice cup of tea." He offered and Clarine nodded in acceptance. Her mother greeted her and then they got to talking. Clarine started from the beginning and her parents listened intently, nodding and sipping their tea as they did. They didn't laugh at her and they didn't belittle her either, they were genuinely concerned.

"And now I can't find any information that proves Lord Eliwood is correct. I know it's probably a selfish endeavor, but now I truly want to know, not just because I want to change his mind." She said to finish off her story. She was slightly out of breath after that and her father let her get it back before he spoke again.

"You certainly are determined on this subject, I can see it in your eyes. In fact, I think this might be the first time I've seen something like this from you, and it kinda makes me proud, seeing that I raised a young woman who knows what she wants and is willing to do whatever is needed to get it. So, this is what I'm going to do, I'm not going to flat out tell you the information, but I will tell you where to find it." He said. It was true he was impressed, but he wanted to see Clarine follow through on her desires. It would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that she would be a good leader in the future.

"I knew I should have gone to you first father, you've always been the smartest person I know. But if I may ask, how did you come across this information?" She was curious as well, because this story was getting more interesting by the second.

"Well, if I'm thinking of the same woman Lord Eliwood is, I fought alongside her more than 20 years ago, back when I was the Mage General. She was one of our best fighters, but she always knew there was a possibility that she could die in battle. So she had me copy the proof of her nobility for any next of kin she had. Silly me though, I left it in the Nabata desert by accident. When she married our army's tactician and moved to the plains I figured it would be best if it stayed there, but I guess it needs to be found." He answered, in turn telling her where she needed to go.

"So, I need to go to the Nabata Desert and find what exactly?" Clarine asked.

"One of my journals should have the document you need. I heard Roy's army headed through there during this last war, very close to where the hideout should be. Now I know it's a bit dangerous there, would you like someone to accompany you?"

"No, I'd rather do this myself. It'll prove that I did it on my own strength and will. I'll start preparing for the trip right away. Thank you father, and you too mother for listening to my words, you always know how to cheer me up." Clarine said before hugging her parents and then running off to do so.

"You really think she's going to find it Pent?" Louise asked as she exited.

"If she tries hard enough, yes I do Louise. The question is, will Etruria be ready for a half Sacean, half Bernese noble?" Pent countered.

"Well, they accepted me didn't they?"

"Touche." Meanwhile Clarine was rushing down the halls when she almost ran into her brother Klein in her excitement.

"Whoa, where are you going in such a hurry?" He asked a bit amused. So Clarine stopped to answer him.

"I'm off to the Nabata Desert in search for some answers to my problems, father told me I should look there." She said still excited, but all Klein did was sigh, thinking it was just the same old Clarine.

"Sister, do you truly believe that this will be of any use to you? What if this is just a big waste of time, like all the other times you were so excited about things and then gave up?" He asked being realistic.

"Because, this time I'm determined to find the answers, whether I like the outcome or not. You're always saying I should work for what I want and not expect it to be handed to me, so that's what I'm doing." Clarine countered confidently.

"And if you go through all this trouble and he still refuses you?" Klein asked, knowing what all this was about.

"Then he's obviously not worth my time and I'll find someone who appreciates my efforts." Clarine said, but this time her confidence betrayed her. She was a bit scared of the possibility that he would reject her again after her hard work, but she couldn't think of that now or she'd never leave.

"Well, at least let me come with you." Klein said being somewhat convinced.

"Sorry, but no. I have to do this myself or no one will take me seriously, I think you'd understand that." Clarine told him.

"I do, and I respect your wishes. But if you do get into trouble, Tate and I are only one letter away."

"I know, and thank you." And with that she ran off again to get ready.

"When did she change so much?"