Stronger

Chapter Nine:

A Voice


The sky was Florina's element. The wind whipping through her hair was a familiar sensation. It was no doubt that men certainly weren't something she was familiar or comfortable with. Florina wasn't entirely sure how to react to Hector's arms around her waist as she flew Huey. These were feelings of uncertainty and freedom juxtaposed. The two warriors were on the way back to the rest of the army, and Hector had fallen asleep, resting his head on her shoulder.

Her face was already bright red, and her heart was racing. She'd almost rather be fighting, that was the only time she could manage an exchange of some sort. Battle was a form of communication and she was very good at it. It wasn't verbal and she could easily dominate the exchange. If only it were so with talking to men, if only she could at least get a word in edgewise. It wasn't even like she was being drowned out, even Hector knew to try and give enough of a pause to let her speak. She couldn't speak. Not around him at least. If only there were some way she could spar with Hector. She knew he was always eager for a partner, but she was too afraid to ask him.

Hector rested his head against her shoulder; she turned slightly only to see that he had fallen asleep. Sleeping Hector didn't scare her much…

"Slow down a bit, Huey," she said. The pegasus did as he was told. Florina released one hand from the reins and carefully ran her shaky fingers over Hector's sleeve. He hadn't stirred; it seemed that he could sleep like a rock. She gulped and moved her hand to run her fingers through his hair. Hector grunted and Florina squeaked in fear and put her hands back on the reigns. The lord breathed deeply and Florina held her breath.

"Eliwood…you better not be messing up my hair again…wasn't even funny the first time…" he mumbled. She sighed in relief; at least he didn't know it was her. Florina knew she had better just enjoy being this close to Hector as best she could. It would probably never happen again, so she could never get used to it…but she could pretend.


Florina had landed with Hector back in camp hours ago. She retired to her tent almost as soon as she gotten there and had tried to appear asleep, but her mind was a buzz with something, she wasn't sure. Her face was bright red and she closed her eyes and imagined Hector's arms around her again.

Florina curled up tighter on her cot. What was wrong with her? She could hardly even breathe around Hector much less formulate a full sentence. That wasn't how she should feel around someone she loved. She should feel comfortable around him. Florina wanted more than anything to feel at ease with Hector. Would he have the patience for her? She doubted it, and this hopeless situation only made her feel like crying. It wasn't long before the tears came, and she sobbed into her hands.

She knew she should give up on Hector. He had far more important things to worry about than her. Florina rubbed her nose knowing by now it would be bright red, and her face would be pink and splotchy. For her own sanity she knew she had to give up Hector, and no matter how much it hurt her to think about moving on, she knew she had to. First loves didn't last, though…she only wished she had at least talked to him before she gave up.

"Oh, Florina!" a shrill voice cried. Serra had entered her tent rather unceremoniously. Florina only wished it hadn't been now when she was feeling so depressed. It was obvious Serra hadn't been expecting to find Florina in such a state. Serra walked to her side and sat on the edge of the cot.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked. Florina was in no mood to play games and she didn't respond. Serra placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"You know what? I think a princess lesson is just what you need to cheer you up!" Serra declared trying to lighten the mood.

Florina pulled away from Serra and put her pillow over her head, "Forget it, I just can't do it. I can't be like you."

Then came the uncharacteristic silence. Florina was grateful for it, though she was a bit worried about what was going through her friend's mind right then.

"You know, not everyone can be like me, I'm a descendent of Etruian nobility you know," she said. Florina peeked a red rimmed eye from under her pillow. Was she serious, or just trying to get a reaction?

"Really?"

"Yes," Serra continued. "Nobility has a certain air that naturally others cannot imitate."

"I knew it. You were always just so opinionated and not afraid to just pop up and say what was on your mind…" Florina commented.

"What does any of that have to do with me being a noble?" Serra asked.

"I don't know. But I admire you for it," Florina answered. "You can do all the things that I can't do. Maybe…you should go after Lord Hector. I mean, you're a noble and all, everything will work out for you two, right?"

Serra's face lost all its smugness and turned into an expression of pure annoyance. "You mean, you're sad because of Lord Hector? Because you think you're not good enough for him or something?" she inquired. Florina didn't answer, but pulled her pillow over her face. The pink haired cleric jumped up and pulled Florina out of her cot.

"Get up! We're going for a walk," Serra cried.

"I…I don't want to—"

Serra paid her no mind and dragged her out of the tent and Florina made little effort to stop her.

"I can't believe you got so worked up over a man! Especially Lord Hector!" Serra scolded as they walked at a breakneck pace through the camp. "You deserve someone far more patient and kind than him. In fact, he should be fretting about whether or not he deserves you."

"But, Serra…he's nobility…" Florina protested. "And please don't be so loud, people can hear you."

"Oh, they don't pay attention to me most of the time anyway," Serra replied, brushing away her friend's concern. "Being a noble, or even royalty can't make you a better person. They're still people like you and me. They need to be knocked down a peg or two just like anyone else. Just because they have the means to be with someone doesn't always mean they should be with them. What I'm telling you Florina is just because you're a vassal doesn't make you any less deserving of Lord Hector. And just because he's a higher station than you doesn't mean that he automatically warrants your affection."

"I know that. That's not why I love him, Serra," Florina replied softly. Serra stopped and turned to stare at Florina. True, she had barely heard the girl speak, but Serra swore she heard the "L" word.

"We need to go farther away from camp," she said. Florina nodded and went along with Serra, this time more willingly. Once a sufficient distance away Serra smirked and crossed her arms.

"Did you say that you 'love' Lord Hector?" Serra asked. Florina blushed, and nodded.

"Well…I don't think he's worthy…" the cleric said.

"Why not?" Florina said, twisting the hem of her skirt anxiously. Serra rolled her eyes.

"He's an idiot," she said. "He's rude, he's pushy, he's stubborn…shall I continue?"

"Serra, I…I know all those things. I know he has many faults. But he's just…he will do anything to protect his friends. He's loyal and he cares for everyone despite their station. True, he's stubborn but when its for the right cause that can be a good thing," Florina explained. "Besides…all men are idiots, there's no changing that."

Serra was so taken aback by Florina's speech (followed up with a joke, at that!) that she could only respond by laughing. Florina smiled brightly and gave Serra a hug. Serra was initially shocked by the contact, but only started to laugh harder.

"Oh, Florina, you're too much," Serra said in between giggles.

"I'm really glad I worked up the courage to talk to you. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I hope we stay together for a long time," Florina replied.

"Of course!" Serra told her returning the embrace. "We'll be even closer once you're my lady."

Florina drew away from the hug and grinned sheepishly, "I thought you said Hector wasn't good enough for me."

"Well…he can work his way into my good favor. But I'm thinking Lord Uther is more your type," Serra said. Florina blushed a deep red, but laughed anyway.

"You know, Serra, you sound a lot like my sister," Florina told the cleric.

"I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing," Serra replied.

"Well…you're not like Fiora, you're more like Farina," she clarified.

Serra blinked in confusion, "You have another sister?"

"Yes, Farina, she's a year younger than Fiora. But…I haven't seen her in ages."

Serra smiled, "Well, I can be your other sister until Farina returns."

The two girls went giggling back into camp arm in arm.


Lord Pent and Lady Louise didn't come back for two days, and Hector was getting antsy. Florina could tell by the way would barge around camp from tent to tent constantly in search of Matthew. What he didn't seem to realize that she was always right behind him always looking for an opening, hoping to catch a moment to talk to him. Even though, in that day alone there were probably fourteen chances (she was keeping count) for her to open her mouth and speak, the words never came, so she pulled further and further back until she was watching him from a safe distance.

When Hector was irritated he intimidated Florina more than when he was in his usual mood. He wasn't to be irritated for long however, as Matthew arrived and handed him a piece of paper he was very glad to see. In a few minutes, Mark, Eliwood and Lyndis called a meeting together and Florina could only imagine what important matters they could be speaking of.

She decided to distract herself by doing something she knew she knew she had to do, like washing Huey. It was common practice among pegasus knights to forgo baths especially when there was obviously no time to do so, but they were known for spoiling their pegasi. Florina was quick to indulge Huey, especially since she had become a falcoknight. He needed that extra care to continue fighting hard. As she prepared the water for his bath she saw Ninian go into the stable. Florina smiled thinking that perhaps her friend was going to talk to Huey, he seemed to be a confidant for anyone who was close to her.

'I'd rather they confide in me…' Florina thought. She recalled Lord Hector had even taken to talking with Huey. A smile spread across her face as she began to lug her bucket and brush over to the stable. If only Huey could say exactly what Hector had talked to him about. Florina sighed; Huey was too good a confidant to reveal anything he had been told. As Florina was about to enter, she heard sobbing from inside. Though she was certain of who was crying, she had to look anyway, just to be sure.

"I'll bet you already know my secret," Ninian began. Florina quietly moved so that she could get a better view of her friend. Ninian was leaning on the top of the stable door and petting Huey's nose.

"You're far more in tune with things of this sort than anyone else, aren't you, Huey?" she continued. "Though you are a different species, you can accept me for who I am. He and I are just as different and yet…I know he could never…he could never…"

Florina took a deep, silent breath and held it. What was she talking about?

"He could never love a dragon like me…"

Florina was shocked at that revelation so much so that she dropped her bucket and the water pooled around her boots. Ninian looked up, alarmed.

"Who's there?" she asked. "Show yourself!"

Florina stepped out from her hiding place, her eyes wide her mouth agape.

"Ninian…" she began. The dancer began to cry even harder and turned to run away, but Florina was much faster and caught her in her arms before Ninian could get too far.

"Don't cry!" Florina told her. She never thought she'd be saying that to anyone. "Let's…let's go to our tent so we can talk all about this. Explain everything to me."

She wrapped her arm around her friend's shoulder and tried to walk through the camp unnoticed. Unfortunately for Florina, Eliwood was madly in love with Ninian, so going completely unnoticed was impossible. He seemed to have a sixth sense for when Ninian was sad and found them. Florina inwardly groaned. Why did he have to play valiant prince now?

"Ninian, is everything all right?" Eliwood asked, taking Ninian's hand. The green haired girl was much too distraught to respond properly. He cupped her cheek gently and wiped at her tears with his free hand. Florina stiffened, knowing that for Ninian, now was the worst time for such contact with Eliwood. She had to get her friend away from him. How on earth was she going to pry Ninian away from the man who loved her so much? Florina's heart raced but she squared her shoulders, puffed out her chest and did her best impression of Serra.

"E-exucse me Lord Eliwood," she said, grabbing Ninian forcibly by the shoulders. "N-now is not the best time f-for Ninian to talk."

With that she pulled the dancer away and walked at break neck speed back to the stable.

"W-where…?" Ninian began. Florina shook her head.

"We need someplace to talk where no one will hear us," she explained. "We're going for a ride above the camp on Huey."

Ninian nodded as Florina took her pegasus out of the stable and saddled him up. Ninian was helped on first and then Florina followed. Within minutes they were circling above the camp with nothing but the wind to hear them.

"So…you're a dragon. Does that mean…Nils is a dragon as well?" Florina began.

"Yes. We're actually both half dragon, but we are still capable of taking a dragon's form," Ninian explained. "Our mother was an ice dragon, our father was a human. I…don't remember him all that well."

Florina was silent for a while and Ninian sniffed miserably.

"You already know my stance on ice dragons," Florina said finally. "I stayed up all night and suffered an illness just to meet one and now I finally have. It's fate that we met, and it's fate that I found out your secret first. I won't tell anyone else, not until you're ready."

"Florina…you really are a great friend," Ninian replied. "Oh, please don't let Nils know that you found out. He's very secretive about our past."

"I understand."

Ninian sighed, wrapped her arms around Florina's waist to steady herself and rested her chin on her friend's shoulder.

"It was foolish of me to entertain such feelings for Lord Eliwood. He and I are of two different species so there's just no chance. It just won't work," she lamented.

"It worked for your parents," Florina said. "And if we're using your logic, you're half human. So that's half a chance right there. Half a chance is better than none. Take me for example, I have no chance of even talking to Lord Hector much less getting him to fall in love with me."

"You're in love with Lord Hector?"

Florina sighed deeply in frustration, "Yes…"

Ninian giggled, "Well, if we're still using my logic, you're both human so there's a chance it will work."

"A snowball's chance in hell maybe," Florina added softly. Ninian squeezed her friend's waist slightly.

"A snowball can survive in hell when in the hands of an ice dragon. You have a chance, Florina," the dancer said reassuringly. Florina sniffed, trying to fight tears. She wasn't sure why she was crying, but right then--ice dragon or not--she was glad Ninian was her friend.

When Ninian and Florina finally landed, the camp was a buzz with activity. Florina helped Ninian off Huey's back and gave her friend a hug.

"You shouldn't worry too much, Ninian. I'm sure a lot of good will come to you," she said. Ninian sighed and smoothed her skirts.

"I hope you're right," she said softly. The two of them headed toward their shared tent when they ran into Lyn.

"Ah, good you two are back from your ride," she said. "If you haven't noticed, we're moving out tonight."

Ninian tilted her head in confusion and Florina grimaced a bit.

"Tonight?" Florina began. "Where are we going?"

"There's a band of thieves that Hector suspects may have stolen the Fire Emblem," Lyn explained. "We're going to apprehend them. Of course, this is a two day trek and Lady Louise and Lord Pent are not yet returned."

Florina could tell by Lyn's tone and the way she trailed off into a series of muttered Sacean curses that her friend did not agree with Hector's decision.

"I'm sure Lord Hector has done his homework Lyn. He wouldn't move the entire army unless there was a reasonable chance of this information being true," Florina asserted.

Lyn smirked and crossed her arms, "Serra was right; you make a lot of excuses for Hector."

"I-I do not!" Florina said blushing. Ninian said nothing but bit her lip to suppress a giggle.

"I'm going to let you guys get ready to leave," Lyn said with a wave. Florina waved and set about packing up the tent and getting Huey ready for travel. Even though she trusted Hector's reasoning, that didn't make the task of moving on so abruptly any easier. If this information was wrong, then it would only be more troublesome. Florina tried to keep a positive outlook and hoped for the best.


The march was fairly uneventful. The terrain was easy to travel, they weren't ambushed, and they were well stocked on provisions so there was no threat of starvation. Florina flew above everyone, watching others in the army chatter amiably. Most of the time she was watching Hector though she tried to distract herself with other people.

"There's got to be some way I can approach him, Huey," she said. "I just can't seem to make my brain and my mouth cooperate ever."

She lay across Huey's neck and sighed deeply. She could speak to men. She didn't mind talking to Kent, Sain, Wil, Lucius and even Eliwood if she had to. Oswin wasn't so bad she was finding. She could have a conversation with men. It was Hector that was the problem. She couldn't understand what made it so hard for her to speak to him even just a little bit. She wanted him to know that she wasn't weak, that she couldn't be judged by the volume of her words. She had to prove that to him or else she didn't deserve him at all.

They arrived at their destination with time to spare. Mark set about planning a raid and sent Heath and Fiora to scout the area from above for him. Most were free to mill about as they pleased. Unfortunately for Florina, Hector felt very invested in the success of this escapade and was holed up in the tent with Mark. Still she had made it her resolve to speak to Hector—really talk with him—before the end of the march back to meet Lady Louise and Lord Pent. She had to.

"If I don't do this now Huey, I'll never talk to him," she said. He was silent but Florina knew even her pegasus knew the truth: this was going to be a make or break situation. "I'll worry about this a little later though. We're going to be going into battle soon and I can't be too distracted."

She glanced up at the sky as she saw Fiora and Heath returning. Florina rather hoped that Fiora would have a bit of time to spare before the battle began, she really wanted to have a word with her sister. They both had been preoccupied with other matters during the past few days and hadn't spoken much. It seemed that this was not to be a luxury that they could afford. Right after Fiora and Heath confirmed Mark's maps, did he announce that they were going to go right into battle.

Florina was assigned to work with Hector as usual and she settled beside him to await Mark's direction. Fiora and Oswin were positioned beside them. Florina thanked Elimine that Fiora was nearby.

"Fiora…is it true that there are three fortresses?" she asked her sister.

"Yes. From what Oswin has told me of the plan we have to seize all three in order to find the Fire Emblem," Fiora explained. Florina looked down at her reigns.

"Fiora…I know we can do this but…wouldn't it be much easier if we had Farina here as well?" Florina said. "You could take the east fortress, Farina would take the west and I could take the north."

Fiora snorted and shook her head. "There's no use in talking about her. We're quite capable of completing this mission on our own."

Florina wisely dropped the conversation. Farina was still a sore subject with Fiora. She could understand why, Farina wasn't always her favorite person either. Still she missed her sister when things got tough. This could potentially be a difficult situation. If they only got to two of the fortresses in time, the third would be informed and evacuate the area, with possibly enough time to get the Fire Emblem out of range. Mark had to have a plan, even if it relied on happenstance he always had a way out.

"Hector, you and Florina prioritize taking the north castle. I'm thinking the leader of this operation is there," Mark explained. "I'll be sending Dorcas and Bartre with you."

Florina understood what she was asked and followed Hector. Perhaps now was the time to break the ice, make a witty remark, but nothing came and she followed in silence, her spear poised for action. They neared the first barricade and several cavaliers were coming their way. Florina threw her javelin at one approaching enemy and Bartre threw a hand axe at the other. As if on cue, Hector and Dorcas pushed ahead of them and finished the job.

The first wave was defeated without too much damage to themselves. It was the second wave of cavaliers that brought challenges. It came much sooner than any of hem had anticipated.

"We need reinforcements," Hector said. "This is just a little too much for us to handle."

Florina didn't say anything, but only thought that it would be a little easier if only…

"Hey! Hello down there!" a loud voice called. Florina blinked. Of all the random things to happen, a falcoknight descended from above, and it wasn't just any falcoknight.

"Farina?" she said as her sister landed near Hector. Of course, her voice was much too soft and he didn't hear her.

"You look like you're in charge here," she said. "And it looks like you all could use another lance around here."

"We're kind of in the middle of a battle," Hector replied.

"Then I'll make this quick. I'm yours for 20,000 gold."

Florina winced. That was way higher than what a pegasus knight should ask for. She couldn't let Hector pay that much. She cleared her throat.

"L-Lord Hector," she began. "You don't have to—"

"That's way too much," Hector said, shouldering his axe. "I've got to get back, or else we're really going to be in trouble."

"Oh come on, that covers everything!" Farina continued. "My medical expenses, my food, compensation for my family in case I die…"

Florina couldn't waste her time trying to get a word in edgewise, Bartre and Dorcas were fighting alone and needed help. She rushed into battle and pulled out her horse slaying lance, hoping to help tip the battle in their favor. She got to the scene just in time to see Dorcas get struck head on by a group of cavaliers that had cornered him. She rushed in, and plunged his spear into one and held out her hand to Dorcas.

"Get on and stay with me!" she cried. He wordlessly climbed onto her pegasus and Florina and Bartre found themselves outnumbered. To make matters worse she saw archers closing in from the east.

"Get back here, Lord Hector," she heard Dorcas grumble behind her.

"Hang in there," Florina told him.

Florina raised her lance, prepared for the next onslaught. She was relieved when it never came. Farina and Hector barreled through some of the cavaliers and that was enough to create a bit of a lull, enough for Hector to press ahead and take on the knight at the entrance of the fortress. Hector bested the knight easily, with nothing else to distract him. Florina breathed a sigh of relief as they all grouped around Hector.

"I've got to take Dorcas to a healer," she said. Hector shook his head.

"You stay with me, let the new recruit earn her money's worth," he told her. Florina nodded and helped Dorcas off her pegasus.

"Take care of him, Farina," she said smiling over at her sister. Farina only stared at her blankly before grinning and taking off. Hector, Florina and Bartre took a moment to relax while things were quiet.

"So…do all pegasus knights know each other?" Bartre asked, breaking the silence. Florina flushed a little and laughed.

"The three of us know each other very well," she answered softly. Hector smirked and nudged her a little.

"You're awfully chatty today," he said. Florina smiled and scratched her head.

"I…I uh…I…s-sorry if I'm talking too much…sorry…" she stammered. Florina sighed exasperatedly. She said something to him, but it still wasn't much of a conversation. She rubbed Huey's ears before they moved to the south were the eastern castle stood to provide back up.

"I don't think I can do it, Huey," she whispered to her pegasus. "I really don't think I can say anything to him…"

Huey nickered and pulled lightly at his reigns.


Most mistook Huey to be a witless winged horse. However, a pegasus is highly in tune with its rider, more so than even horses at times. Huey didn't understand all the complexities of human relationships, but he knew enough to know that Florina cared about Hector and from what he could gather from the times Hector came to talk to him, Hector liked Florina too. He couldn't see what kept her from speaking to Hector.

The battle had ended with no success. The Fire Emblem wasn't in any of the three fortresses and Hector was understandably upset. As Florina finished feeding Huey, the pegasus turned over a plan of action in his head. The only way to get those two to talk was to forcibly put them together with no way out. He wandered into the camp looking for Hector. It wasn't hard to find him.

"That was a complete waste of time and money," Hector was telling Eliwood. "I wish we had accomplished something, anything."

"Well…we have a new recruit, so it's not entirely a lost cause," Eliwood said, offering a glimmer of hope. Hector grumbled, and was about to storm ahead, when Huey grabbed him by the fabric of his cloak.

"What on earth…?" Eliwood began. Hector grinned and patted Huey's muzzle.

"What's going on, big guy?" he said. "I thought Florina tied you down for the evening."

Huey pulled and dragged him along.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Hector snapped.

"I think he's trying to tell you something," Eliwood said between laughs.

"I can see that!" Hector said.

"Why don't you follow him, and we'll talk about this later," Eliwood said waving him away. Hector grit his teeth and shook his head.

"This had better be good," he said. Huey only pulled harder, ripping his cloak.

"Hey, you're ruining my clothes, get over here!" he cried. "You can't just ruin my 'peasant' look without expecting repercussions!"

Huey pulled harder which made the tear bigger and Hector only more upset. If he got loud enough Florina would come. If there was one thing that Huey was confident in it was that Florina would stand up for him.

"Listen you crazed beast! I've got half a mind to pluck all of your feathers and make ladies' fans for the entire Ostian court!"

"E-Excuse me!" Florina cried running to the rescue. Huey snorted; just as planned. She came over and Huey released Hector's torn cloak. She held Huey's muzzle and pressed her cheek against his neck.

"D-did…did this…ah…Did Huey do something wrong?" she said.

"Your pegasus just grabbed onto my cloak and dragged me away from an important conversation with Eliwood," he cried. "To make it worse, he ripped it. That damn flapping horse is going to regret the day he was—"

"No he won't! If you're going to punish anyone, punish me! I'm the one who didn't tie him down right!" she shouted. Huey started a little himself; it had been a long time since Florina raised her voice outside of battle. Hector stared at her for a while in silence before smirking and crossing his arms.

"So you can speak. And loud too," he said.

"Pardon?" she said her eyes finally meeting his.

"We've been around each other for months and we've never spoken really. I asked Lyn about it and she told me I was a big lunk head and I should stay away from you. Can you imagine that?"

She laughed and turned red. Huey silently wondered if Florina realized that this was her chance. She'd never have a better opportunity to talk to Hector than now.

"Um…Lord Hector?" she began.

"Yeah?" he said.

"Um…the first time we met…you saved me. And I…I've been trying for the longest but I…I just wanted to say thank you," she said. Hector raised an eyebrow.

"Me saving you?" he said.

"Yes. In Caelin, Huey fell on top of you?" Florina offered trying to jog his memory. He shook his head.

"No, don't remember that."

Florina flushed and bit her lip, "Ah…I see. I'm sorry…"

"Hey, don't have that sad look on your face, I was just kidding you," he said. "I remember! Who can forget being crushed by that witless wonder of a flying horse? Really, he's much heavier than he looks."

She smiled and he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It seems you are always getting into trouble. I need you to stay by my side so I can look out for you," he said. Florina sniffed and her bottom lip trembled.

"Hey…you know I don't like sniffling…" he said squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. Florina laughed as the tears came and Huey couldn't have been happier to see her smile. Unfortunately for them, this moment was not to last; Farina rounded the corner and all she saw was her sister crying and a really big man standing over her.

"You! Lord Hector! What do you think you're doing?" she shouted storming over. She grabbed Hector's collar and snarled.

"What the hell?" he snapped. "Let me go right now, or so help me—"

"You can insult me and make me work until I collapse, but you don't pay me enough for me to just let you bully my little sister!" Farina cried, cutting him off.

"Your sister?" he said.

"Farina, stop! He wasn't doing anything wrong!" Florina said grabbing her sister's arm. Farina released him and turned to her sister.

"Look, Florina I know he's a high powered lord, but if he's hurting you—"

"Hector is my friend, Farina," Florina told her. "H-he…he wasn't hurting me, he just made me so happy that I…I cried that's all. You know how I am…"

Farina furrowed her brow and looked from her sister and back to Hector. She marched over to him narrowed her eyes.

"I've got my eye on you," she said, jabbing a menacing finger in his face and then walked away. Hector stared after Farina for a while and scratched his head in confusion.

"I-I'm sorry…" Florina said, her face bright red. "I should…can I fix your cloak for you? You still need to wear it while you're…"

He smiled, "I think that's a good idea."

"I've got to put Huey away," she said.

"I'll wait by the fire, all right? Maybe you can warn me before another one of your sisters pops up unannounced."

She nodded and waved as he walked away. Once she was sure Hector was a good enough distance away, Florina hugged Huey's neck.

"Thank you, Huey," she whispered.


This has been a long time coming. *grins sheepishly*