A/N: For Intaglionyx, who requested the scenario: "Eirika/L'Arachel, set some time after their support. L'Arachel set off their relationship by giving Eirika a really big gem. Now, nearly a month in, Eirika is walking around covered in bling, L'Arachel doesn't see any problems with that, and Eirika just doesn't know what to do."

The stiffness in Eirika's legs had become bad enough to make her worry she'd buckle over, but still she trudged on, one step after another. It was a good thing the army hadn't gotten involved in a skirmish. Her mind had become foggier with each day, and though she tried to keep herself alert, the bloodshed and demons that haunted her sleep weighed her down.

The sound of her name pierced the air so sharply that Eirika worried for nearby pegasus knights' safety. Nevertheless, when she turned to the noise's source and saw the grin lighting up her lover's face, she couldn't help but return it.

"L'arachel," Eirika said once the breathless woman had reached her. "What are you doing here? I thought we were assigned to separate groups for this mission."

"We were. However, I, in my foresight, have rearranged that assignment so that we might fight alongside each other."

Eirika tilted her head. A month ago, she would have simply stated surprise that the commander had been willing to answer such a request; however, after a month of 'crusades for great love,' she knew better. "And did you tell the commanding officer first?" she asked.

"Well, of course not. I tried to, mind you, but that brother of yours seemed preoccupied with prince Innes, so I thoughtfully let them be."

Eirika sighed. This hardly helped the headache she'd been nursing. They were half a day into the march, and it was no use turning back now. Was that why L'arachel had waited to approach her? Chief among the things the past month had taught her was that L'arachel was cleverer than she looked.

"I'll ask Tana if a pegasus knight can take a message to the other group so they won't worry," Eirika said. There wasn't anything else to be done at this point, and truthfully, she was glad to have L'arachel there.

"How very thoughtful of you," L'arachel said. Giving Eirika a look-over doused L'arachel's beam. "Eirika, dear…where is your jewelry?"

Eirika sucked in a breath. She'd hoped that their different group assignments would give her a reprieve from that. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate L'arachel's gifts, but by the third week, the weight of all of them made her limp.

"L'arachel, we're in enemy territory. There's no telling when monsters might appear. I can't fight with all of that hanging off me."

L'arachel frowned. "Nonsense! Those earrings weren't more than an inch long, and besides, how do you expect to stay safe without protective talismans?"

Eirika smiled. "L'arachel, you're here with me now, aren't you? I'm sure your presence is worth a dozen good luck charms."

L'arachel brightened. "Why, that's very true! Although, I do worry about your resistance to magical attacks."

"Magic? Why do you bring that up?"

"Why, the protective spells I put on the gems, of course. Really, Eirika, as sensible as you are, you ask the silliest things sometimes." L'arachel shook her head. It was a common gesture in their relationship, but being on the receiving end for once felt odd. "Oh, well. I'll simply have to keep my staff at the ready in case some enemy is lucky enough to get past your dodging."

"I'd appreciate that, L'arachel. Thank you." Eirika wasn't focusing on the words; she was busy trying to remember if L'arachel had mentioned spelling those gifts. Had she simply forgotten to do so, or had Eirika been too distracted by the world's turmoil to listen? Both situations seemed likely.

Sudden warmth filled her when she thought about the objects she'd once found bothersome. At the time, their monetary worth had seemed too much, and the thought of selling them to help the army had crossed her mind more than once. Now, the idea made her feel terrible.

"You know, L'arachel, the gems are still nearby, though the caravan they're in is on the other side of the field."

"Not to worry! For your wondrous L'arachel has not come to you empty-handed." From her purse, L'arachel produced a sapphire the size of the one on her staff. Eirika cradled it delicately.

"It's lovely, L'arachel."

"Allow me to do the honors," L'arachel said, stepping forward to pin the gem on Eirika's blouse. Its weight dragged the fabric down, but it comforted her to have it against her breast. L'arachel's eyes scanned her again, this time not with distaste. "You look marvelous. Truly, that piece befits a woman beautiful enough to ride beside me." She sighed. "And ride we will, us in our saddles, you with your blade, I with my staff, fighting for justice while the sunset bathes us…oh, Eirika, doesn't it just set your heart racing?"

Eirika smiled. "Yes, L'arachel, it does." It was a lie, but she wasn't sure L'arachel would understand if Eirika said that every word was steadying her heartbeat. For once, she was grateful for L'arachel's antics. She wouldn't have felt this safe had L'arachel not been at her side.

Though she had to inform the pegasus messenger before it got dark, Eirika stayed long enough to let L'arachel finish her daydreaming. This time, she indulged not only L'arachel, but also herself in the stories of heroes and divinity. She'd never turn her back on the war's realities, but wasn't keeping her spirits up important?

Eirika fingered the sapphire. She supposed she'd wear the rest of the gifts from now on. As long as she wasn't buried in them by their anniversary, it wasn't worth losing the smile she'd remove along with them.