Mark woke up, confused that he was in his own tent. Remembering the events of last night, he had fully expected to wake up sitting next to a tree. After wiping his eyes, Mark quickly exited his tent, only to see that it was still mostly dark out. Sighing, Mark came to terms with the fact that his sleep schedule was completely screwed. He walked past the ashes rest of the tents and waved at one of their new recruits, Kyle, who was on sentry duty.
"Hello there sir Mark. I didn't expect anyone else to be up this early." Kyle greeted.
"Yeah, I got an early sleep. I just woke up and wanted to go train, so I need to get far enough so I don't wake up anyone." Mark answered.
Kyle nodded in understanding. "Alright. Just don't go too far. We're pretty sure Grado won't find us, but you can never be too sure."
"I won't. I'll be back just after sunrise. Have a good rest of the night." Mark said, waving at Kyle as he left the camp.
After reaching a nice clearing next to a river, Mark gave his sword a few practice swings. It had been a while since he had practiced, but his previous battles were proof that he was still combat capable. Mark focused his mind to try and picture an enemy in front of him. He tried to recreate a standard Grado soldier in his mind, using the ones that he'd seen fight as an example. If he used some of their more standard techniques against them, it might give him more of an advantage in a fight.
While he was sparring against his invisible enemy, Mark failed to notice that he was being watched. The person in question was staring at Mark, completely mystified by his style of fighting. He seemed to dance around an invisible point, however, the person in question had another reason for following Mark out of camp.
Mark suddenly heard a small gasp from behind him, and spun to face the source of the noise. He saw the small girl that had been following Ephraim around earlier.
"Ah, hello. Myrrh, was it?" Mark greeted.
In response, Myrrh nodded meekly. It seemed that she was afraid of Mark for whatever reason.
"Is there anything I can do for you, or did you just want to watch me?" Mark asked, curious as to why the small girl had followed him. Suddenly, he noticed that the girl seemed to have something behind her back. Peering around to get a better view, he saw wings… Dragon wings.
Well… That complicates things… Mark thought to himself. Then he remembered that she mentioned something about detecting a dark force the previous night. No… She couldn't have-
"S-sir Mark… I detected something strange from you last night… But I thought I was just tired. I came by here and I saw… Something dark." Myrrh started. Mark's eyes widened. "Please tell me sir Mark… Are the others safe? Can you you fight and still control-"
Mark cut Myrrh off by raising his hand. "I understand why you'd think that I'm dangerous. Please trust me when I say that the problem is contained for now. I had to hinder my own magic to do so, but so long as I don't fight too much, I won't be a problem."
Myrrh seemed to consider Mark's words for a few moments. "Okay… I guess I can trust you if Ephraim's sister does… But could you tell me what it is that's wrong with you? I've never seen anything like you."
Mark shook his head. "Sorry, milady, but I would prefer to keep that secret. If my power endangers those around me, then I will explain, but it is the cause of many of my worst experiences, and I would prefer to keep those to myself. Please, It would mean a lot to me if you kept this information to yourself." Mark pleaded.
Myrrh nodded. "Of course. I can tell that you are a good person… Just make sure that you tell Eirika first, okay? She's obviously very close to you. I could tell just from last night that you mean a lot to her." Myrrh said as she walked back towards camp.
Mark just stood there, staring at the spot where Myrrh had been a second ago. She had been so close, SO CLOSE to learning his secret. Had she pressed the issue further, he'd have to explain everything to the young manakete, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to trust someone with that information just yet. Luckily Eirika's trust in him had obviously earned him a few brownie points, but the girl did have a point: he had to tell Eirika eventually.
I think I can trust her… I doubt that she'd think anything worse than I already think to myself. Mark thought.
No. To trust her would end every relationship that you've built in camp. If you're lucky, they'd execute you. If not, exile. His paranoia told him.
But this is Eirika we're talking about. We're closer than that.
Oh really? And when she realizes that you'll be a danger to everyone around you? You're just forcing your choice onto her.
… Maybe you're right. But I know that eventually the secret will get out.
On that we agree.
Then I'd rather let her know before things get too much worse. They're already relying on me much more than I'm comfortable with. If I stick around for too much longer, then I'd either be forcing them to keep me or leaving a large hole for them to fill when I'm gone.
… Very well. Just know that whatever happens is your own fault.
I'll deal with it, don't worry. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst" might as well be my second motto.
With his mind finally made up, Mark decided to continue training, but promised himself that he'd look out for an opportunity to tell his secret to Eirika sometime in the future. For now though, he needed to get back to peak condition, which meant that he'd have to start the stamina training he promised he'd do back in Mulan. Sighing, Mark re-sheathed his sword and started running laps around camp.
A few hours later, Eirika awoke in her tent, just as confused as Mark as to how she got there. She exited her tent and saw that the sun was starting to rise and a majority of their group was gathered around the center of camp. Mark was also there, along with Joshua, her brother, and a few others, and he seemed to be telling the others the tale of what happened last night.
"...So then I'm running up the stairs, and somehow this guy is able to keep up with me in FULL ARMOR. I kid you not. I mean, I know I'm not the fastest runner in the world, but this guy should have been slower than me." Mark explained.
"Seems like you didn't have everything planned out." Joshua said with a smirk.
"I told you. I'm not perfect. Bite me." Mark replied with a smirk of his own. "Anyways, I get on the roof of the castle and he finally catches up to me. He manages to sweep my legs out from under me, and I go down."
"So how'd you get out?" Ephraim asked, genuinely curious not only about how the general was killed, but the capabilities of his sister's tactician.
"Well, I fired two bursts of light magic, making it look like I'd just barely missed him. This was the signal."
"For what?"
"For Neimi to shoot him with a ballista. We knew that the fortress would be close-quarters, so I had Neimi and Colm secure a ballista before the battle even started and told them that the signal to shoot would be two bursts of light magic above my target. The look on Tirado's face when he realized he'd been fooled was priceless." Mark said with a grin.
Ephraim grinned at the end of Mark's tale. "Good. That dastard had it coming to him; I'd seen him in towns when he was looking for me, and he was always very abusive towards the townsfolk."
"Really? Then I'm even happier about the result." Mark responded. He then noticed Eirika approaching out of the corner of his vision. "Hey there Eirika, want to join us?"
Eirika shook her head. "No, it appears as if I'm the last one to get up, so I might as well pack up my tent."
"No need to hurry, sister. After all that we've done to Castle Renvall, I imagine that they're going to focus most of their manpower on re-establishing their defences. After last night, everyone needs a break, so we're taking it a bit easier than normal this morning." Ephraim explained.
"Even so, I think I'll take down my tent rather than put it off for later." Eirika said, nodding farewell at her brother and Mark.
Ephraim watched his sister walk away before turning his attention to Mark. The others that had been listening to Mark's story had already wandered back to their own tents. "So, you seem close to my sister. Anything I should know about?" Ephraim asked.
Mark cocked his head at the crown prince in confusion. "Outside of the fact that we're friends? I don't believe so. Why?"
"No reason." Ephraim said, avoiding the topic. "Also, I'm curious. What are you going to get her for her birthday?"
Mark froze. "Her birthday?"
"Well, it's my birthday too, but I figured that you might have a present or something that you'll get her. I know it's the middle of a war and all, but Seth mentioned to me that he wanted to try and celebrate when we get back to Frelia."
"I… No one ever mentioned to me that-" Mark started.
"Relax. You've got a couple of weeks, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind whatever you got her. Just get her a new sword or something; I think her rapier's just about broken." Ephraim said offhandedly.
Mark sat there frozen as Ephraim made some form of remark about packing up. Mark didn't quite hear him, since his mind was attempting to find out what he'd do for Eirika's birthday. He had barely any opportunity to get something for the princess; they were actively avoiding towns as much as possible on their way back to Frelia. He would have to ask around to find out what Eirika liked, and while Seth would be the ideal source of such information, because of how the knight in question regularly treated Mark, that option was not available. Sighing, Mark decided to do what the others were doing and pack up his tent.
The day passed by quickly, and since everyone was anxious to get out of Grado territory, the group decided to not take a break after all. Eirika noticed that Mark had been deep in thought since they had left camp, but he didn't seem to want to talk to her about it. Frowning, Eirika wondered what it could be that Mark wasn't telling her.
He seemed to have no problem opening up to me last night… Maybe he regrets that? Is he just not used to trusting people? Eirika wondered, oblivious to someone approaching her from behind.
"Trouble in paradise, princess?" A voice asked from behind her. Turning around in an instant, Eirika saw that it was Joshua, and instantly frowned.
"Joshua. I'm not in the mood right now." The princess hissed through her teeth.
"Aww, C'mon princess… I just want to help out my poor, misunderstood friend." Joshua said with a cocky smile.
"No. Go away." Eirika warned.
Joshua sighed. "Okay, okay. I'll be serious. I may or may not have accidentally have eavesdropped on you two last night."
At those words, Eirika's eyes widened as she slowly turned to look at the mercenary.
"Joshua… What Mark told me last night was very personal. I know you two are close… But that is really something that he should have decided to tell you himself."
"Look, I know that, alright?" Joshua snapped at Eirika. "I feel like garbage for listening in on something that private, but he's my friend dammit, and I want to help him." He sighed. "What do we do? He's been branded as a traitor by his friends, and his sister disowned him. How do you come back from that?" He asked.
It was Eirika's turn to sigh. "I don't know." She whispered. She looked at the man in question with sadness in her eyes. "I want to help him, but from what I can gather, it's been years since all that happened. I think it helped to just tell one of us, but without the details… I don't know how much we can help." Eirika admitted.
Joshua nodded his head in response. "Let's just give him time and space… Maybe that's all he needs."
Before Eirika could respond, a third voice entered their conversation.
"Don't I get a say in all this?" Mark asked, causing the other two to jump slightly. Mark chuckled. "Come on you two, you really think I couldn't tell what my two best friends are talking about?"
The princess and mercenary both looked at the ground in shame. Mark chuckled at the sight.
"It's fine, you two. I was going to tell Joshua eventually, so I'm not too concerned about him finding out." Mark sighed. "And I get where you guys are coming from. I've gotten used to the idea that all of my friends are either dead or disgusted with me, but the best thing I can do now is to not think about it."
"Mark…" Eirika started.
"But enough of that. Like I said, I'll be fine. I've just got a lot on my mind as of late, but it did feel good to finally tell someone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some planning to do." Mark finished.
With that, Mark walked towards the rear of their group, and continued to get lost in thought. Joshua and Eirika looked at each other for a brief moment, and Joshua shook his head in exasperation, and the two continued to walk in silence.
The next few days passed by quickly, and while everyone was definitely more relaxed since finding Ephraim, there was still an overall tension in the air, due in large part to Mark's subdued mood and everyone's desire to get out of Grado as quickly as possible. The group marched on in relative silence, and the journey that took them weeks before instead took them only one. Upon reaching Frelia's borders, everyone visibly relaxed. The mood improved in everyone save their own tactician, who seemed to have been relentlessly thinking about something for quite some time. She would have to talk to him about it after they talked to Hayden. As it was, the group entered Castle Frelia early in the morning, completely exhausted. They had all been eager to make it to the castle ever since they had crossed the border, and when they realized how close they were, the group had decided to march through the night. Upon reaching the inside of the castle walls, Eirika and Ephraim heard the familiar sound of pegasus wings, and Ephraim ordered all but his sister, Mark, Seth, and, to everyone's surprise, Myrrh, to go and find rooms to rest in. Ephraim and Eirika were then immediately tackled by a blur of blue and red, which Mark had managed to expertly sidestep away from. He snickered at the sight of not one, not two, but three royals tumbling to the ground.
"Eirika! Ephraim! I'm so happy you're both okay!" Tana exclaimed. "I prayed for your safety every day, but for you two to actually be here… It's like a dream come true!"
"Tana… Can't… Breathe…" Eirika managed to wheeze out.
"Oh! Sorry!" Tana apologized, jumping off the twins. Mark however, was not focused so much on Tana as he was Ephraim, whose cheeks had flushed an intense red.
How peculiar… I must ask him about that… Mark thought to himself.
"W-well, I'm sorry that we caused you to worry, Tana." Ephraim said, dusting himself off.
Tana waved her hand in dismissal. "Oh, it doesn't matter. Come, let's go see my father, my brother should still be here. He returned from the fields last night, but I'm sure he'll want to meet you."
Ephraim immediately tensed up at the mention of the Frelian Prince, which Eirika noticed, and responded by giving him a glare that screamed 'be nice'. Ephraim only grumbled something under his breath in response.
Upon entering the main hall, the five were treated with the sight of Innes ordering some servant to get ready rooms for their unexpected guests. He turned towards them, his face a neutral look of disdain mixed with well-hidden relief at the sight of his fellow royals.
"Brother! I didn't catch you last night! Oh, this is so great! First you, then Ephraim and Eirika!" Tana said excitably, eliciting a chuckle from everyone but Innes, who rolled his eyes.
"You didn't expect any less, did you?" Innes scoffed. "Grado's men couldn't even touch me. I could march from here to their capital and take down every soldier on my way!" He boasted.
In an attempt to change the subject, Ephraim stepped forwards with his own introduction. "Well met, Innes. I hope everything goes well on your front."
"...Ephraim." Innes replied simply, and Mark could practically hear the two of them grinding their teeth from where he was standing. Eirika sighed at the two's antics, and decided to speak up.
"Prince Innes, it is good to see that you are well." Eirika said with a warm smile. Innes gave the princess a respectful nod in response, but his expression did not change.
"Eirika." He stated tersely. "...They say Renais has fallen. This happened because you provided Grado the opportunity to strike." Innes commented bluntly.
Mark raised an eyebrow at the prince's statement. While more true than the Frelian prince realized, even Mark knew that it was a stupid idea to say something so callous so soon after the royals had lost so much.
"Brother! Mind your tongue! This is no occasion for such harsh words. Ephraim and Eirika have lost their father to this terrible war…" Tana chastised him.
"... I heard that your father died in the takeover. You have my sympathies. He was a good ruler." Innes relented, realising that he had gone too far, and walked out of the room.
Tana sighed. "Oh, Innes… I'm sorry, Eirika, Ephraim."
Ephraim shook his head with a sigh. "It's fine. It's at least comforting to see that, in all of this, he hasn't changed. Innes has hated me for as long as I can remember."
"My brother looks upon you as a rival, Ephraim. And as you know, he wants to be the best at everything. The best king, the best general, the best fighter, the best man… He won't allow himself to be beaten at anything." Tana informed the group.
"Tana you talk too much." Innes' voice came from down the hallway he had just disappeared. Turning to face the prince, Mark noticed that Innes had gone in the direction of the throne room. "...My father would like to meet all of you for a war council. Follow me if you wish to take part."
Eirika and Ephraim nodded, and their small group followed Innes towards the throne room, which is where the war council was currently being held. Upon noticing their arrival, the king smiled.
"Ephraim, Eirika, it does my heart good to see you all here safely within our castle walls. …Would that we had more time for pleasantries, but…let us hear your news." Hayden said.
Innes nodded. "Very well, I will begin. I've directed the body of Frelia's army south to engage Grado directly. Our troops are proving themselves on the battlefield, and Grado is learning the hard way that we only produce the best." Innes boasted.
"Yes, but the answer still remains… Why is Grado attacking in the first place?" Hayden pondered.
"Your majesty, I believe we can explain that." Eirika announced. "We learned of Grado's true intentions during our travels… Something that still haunts our thoughts."
Hayden nodded, remembering Eirika's message. "Yes, we received that notice from you. According to your sources, Grado is trying to destroy the sacred stones?"
"Indeed. We still have no idea what their reasons are, but we at least now know what they're planning." Mark added. Innes looked at Mark curiously, as if seeing him for the first time. The prince mentally assessed the tactician in his mind, attempting to judge his character at a glance.
"We've strengthened the tower that holds our own stone's defences. It is safe for the time being. However, we must learn Grado's true motives sooner or later, or else I fear we may be surprised with new knowledge at an inopportune time." The king admitted with a grimace.
"I ah… May actually be able to shed some light on that situation." Ephraim offered sheepishly. All eyes in the room turned on him, and he continued. "While I'm not entirely sure this relates… Myrrh, could you come here please?" Ephraim asked, surprising everyone.
"Yes?" Myrrh asked, her voice exceptionally quiet when she realized that all eyes were on her. Their eyes were all drawn to the small… Wings that were visible on her back, now that she was forced to bring her hood down in front of royalty.
"Who is this girl?" Hayden asked Ephraim.
"...Wings?" Eirika muttered questioningly underneath her breath, staring at her brother.
However, before Ephraim could say anything, Mark spoke up. "She is a manakete." He stated. Everyone focused on the tactician, and he saw that they clearly wanted more information. "They are essentially dragons in human form. They can revert to their draconic form with a stone, and I have heard that older ones can sense dark energy." He explained.
"A half-dragon?" Seth asked incredulously.
"And tell me tactician, how did you come across this knowledge?" Innes asked.
"Trust me, when it comes to dragons, I know a thing or two." Mark answered cryptically. "Manaketes are rare, but often worshiped. They live for a VERY long time." He added.
King Hayden nodded. "I do recall the term 'manakete' being tossed around many times in the legends of the sacred stones."
"... We live in the east, in the Darkling Woods… One day… We felt an ominous energy coming from the south."
"Grado…" Mark mumbled to himself.
"Saleh and I… We went to investigate this energy. But on our way down, we came across a battle and were drawn into the conflict."
"I found her in the company of a group of bandits. She had been wandering by herself near Renvall, and I rescued her." Ephraim informed the others.
"They… Took my dragonstone. They were preparing to transport me somewhere else when Ephraim managed to rescue me." Myrrh said with a shudder. She took one last look at Ephraim, who nodded for her to continue. "This dark wave of energy still flows from the southlands. Its current is strong and runs deep. It has awakened the evil ones. I want to stop it." She finished, trying very hard to get out of everyone's view.
"Hmm…. You have both given me much to think about." Hayden admitted. "I wish to talk things over with my generals. It is my understanding that you and your group are in need of a rest, so please help yourselves. We will continue where we left off tomorrow." The king concluded.
Everyone nodded their heads in acceptance. However, as Eirika and Ephraim's group left, Innes followed them, much to their surprise. When they were out of earshot of the throne room, he spoke up.
"You there. Tactician." Innes said.
Mark turned to face the prince, arching an eyebrow at the man. "Yes, milord?"
"What is your name?"
"I go by Mark, your highness."
Seth shook his head. "That is not actually his name, your highness. He claims that his real name is too recognizable, so he uses his middle name instead." Seth explained, frustrated that Mark was still using an alibi.
Innes' eyes widened. "Truly? Mark is your middle name?"
Mark looked hesitant to answer. "...Yes?"
Innes nodded his head slightly. "... You will be pleased to know that your sister is just fine." He said, as he turned around to walk away.
Seth and Eirika's eyes widened, while Ephraim and Myrrh just looked confused.
"You have a sister?" Ephraim asked.
"I… Yes, I have a sister." Mark explained, his voice wavering. "I had… Thought she was dead." The last part had said barely louder than a whisper. At that, everyone seemed to get the message that Mark didn't want to talk about it anymore, and the group continued towards where their rooms for the night were. Eirika and Seth hung back though, wanting to talk to each other.
"Milady, prince Innes knew who Mark was. We should ask him to tell us about our tactician." Seth suggested.
Eirika shook her head. "No Seth, Mark's past is none of our business. He has told me enough for me to believe that he is trustworthy. I will not pry into something so personal."
Seth let out a sigh. "Very well your highness. However, I must request that you let me ask the prince if Mark is trustworthy, if nothing more than to give myself peace of mind."
Eirika nodded in acceptance. "That is fine, just do not press him too much for information." She said, as she walked off towards her room.
However, Seth did not go back to his room. He wanted to surprise his charges by celebrating their birthday in a more traditional manner, but he knew he couldn't do it on his own. Grumbling, he walked over to where he knew Mark's room was. He knocked on the door, and Mark opened it almost immediately.
"Yes?" Mark asked.
"Sir Mark, I require your assistance for something important." Seth said, surprising Mark.
"Alright, well what do you need me for?" Mark asked.
"You are aware that the prince and princess' birthday is tomorrow, correct?" At Mark's nod, Seth continued. "I would like to get together a celebration for tonight, but I cannot do it on my own. Could I count on you to get supplies from in town if I gave you a list?" Seth asked.
"Sure, but why do you need me to do it?" Mark asked.
"It is a well-known fact that you very rarely sleep more than a few hours a night. I imagined that you could make use of your limited sleep schedule to do something productive. Was I wrong?"
"Not at all. Give me the list, and I'll get everything done in no time!" Mark exclaimed happily.
The next several hours passed by in a blur for the two servants of the crown, as they frantically tried to arrange something resembling a royal birthday. Seth had insisted that they make a cake themselves, which meant that Seth had to make the cake, as Mark reminded Seth that his own cooking skills were terrible. Eventually the two managed to set up a small room in the castle with a few presents for the royalty as well as a small banquet. Seth nodded in approval at the scene. He and Mark had done quite a bit in a short amount of time, and Seth had to admit that Mark was quite a lot of help for the planning effort. That being said, he still wanted to talk to the Frelian prince about their tactician.
However, he now had the pleasant duty to tell the prince and princess about their party. Mark had suggested that he be the one to tell the royals, since it was Seth that did a majority of the planning for the party. Mark himself had gone off to get the other party guests together, and he had been surprisingly successful in that field. Seth was just outside of prince Ephraim's room, and after gaining entrance, noted that he was currently in conversation with his sister. They turned to face the doorway that Seth had just walked through.
"Ah, greetings Seth. My sister and I were just catching up on what has happened since we last saw each other. I thank you for all that you have done for her. You have been a loyal knight and friend in the last few months." Ephraim said with a smile.
Seth responded with a smile of his own. "I only did my duty, your highness, but I thank you all the same. Now, I came by to inform you both that dinner is ready, if you'll follow me." He said, gesturing towards the hallway. The prince and princess followed him, though they started to become more and more confused. They had been to Castle Frelia many times, but the way that they were going was not towards the banquet hall. When Eirika voiced these concerns, Seth simply smiled.
"Don't worry, we're going the right way." Seth answered, which only served to confuse the twins further.
However, once they were getting close, the twins realised that they were going towards the ballroom, and realised what was happening. They looked at each other with a grin on their face. Upon opening the door, they saw all of their friends, as well as the Frelian royal family, waiting for them, as well as a small collection of presents.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" A chorus of voices shouted.
Eirika and Ephraim's smiles only widened when they saw their friends all gathered in the ballroom, and the wide spread of food on the table certainly helped.
"Seth, did you do this for us?" Eirika asked the knight.
He shook his head. "I cannot take all the credit milady. Sir Mark helped me organize this."
Mark rolled his eyes. "Don't listen to him Eirika. I only got a few things for him. He planned and organized the whole thing."
Seth rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, and was about to protest further when Ephraim spoke up. "Either way, I thank you both for this. My sister and I didn't expect anything so nice in the middle of all this conflict."
Surprisingly, Joshua was the one that spoke up. "You both have done a whole lot in the last few months. Without the two of you, who knows what would have happened to the rest of us." This got a few cheers of agreement from the others. "The least we can do after you both have worked so hard is celebrate in your honor." The mercenary said with a wide smile.
At his words, the celebrations kicked off. The royals opened their gifts first, which consisted of a variety of small arms and medicine; they knew that they were likely going to go back into battle soon, and any gifts given had to be small and practical. The food disappeared quickly, and the cake vanished in the blink of an eye. People were mingling about and generally having a good time. However, Eirika soon noticed that one person was not a part of the festivities: Mark. She asked Joshua if he had seen the tactician leave, and he said that Mark had stepped out onto the balcony for some reason. Thanking the mercenary, Eirika decided to see what Mark was up to.
She walked out onto the balcony and saw Mark leaning on the railing with his elbows. He was staring off into the distance, a thoughtful expression covering his face.
"A gold piece for your thoughts?" Eirika asked, startling Mark from his thoughts.
He turned his head ever so slightly to see the princess of the hour, who was leaning her back against the railing of the balcony.
"Not too much, just thinking about how Innes knew who I am, and what might happen because of that." Mark admitted.
"I'm sure everything will be fine Mark. You have proven yourself to us time and time again, and if anyone still doubts your motives, then I will defend you with everything that I can." Eirika stated.
Mark gave a sad smile. "Kind of you to say that, Eirika, but you still don't really know what I've done… If you did…" He trailed off, his smile becoming a frown. "... I'm not sure you would defend me as much as you have."
Eirika gave a sigh. "You know, you remind me of my friend Lyon sometimes." She said, gaining Mark's attention.
"The crown prince of Grado? You two were close?"
"Yes. He, my brother and I were quite close. He was a quiet person, but kind at heart. But much like yourself, he had a tendency to think quite lowly of himself. My brother and I could never quite convince him that he was much more important and talented then he gave himself credit. It was always so painful for me to listen to him talk about how he wasn't fit to rule, and how he always wished he was more like my brother." She sighed, and turned to look Mark in the eye. "You are important to us Mark. You guided us through many hardships and helped me get back my brother. You were responsible for the recruitment of most members of our group." She paused. "More specifically though… You are valuable to me. You helped cure my nightmares, saved me from monsters, comforted me when I needed it, and in the short few months I've known you, you've been one of the best friends I've ever had." Eirika said with a warm smile. "So know that I truly do not care about what you've done. I will help you regardless."
Mark stared at the princess in silence for a few moments. He was humbled by her words, but had no idea how to show her how much they meant to him. Suddenly, he had an idea.
"Princess, I suddenly remembered that I still haven't given you your birthday present." Mark commented.
Eirika waved her hands. "Oh no Mark, you don't have to get me anything."
"Nonsense. I've got it on me. Just close your eyes and I'll give it to you."
Sighing in mock frustration, Eirika closed her eyes. Mark chuckled at her antics, but got up from his position anyways.
"Hold out your hands." Mark told her.
The moment she did so, Eirika heard what sounded like the rustling of cloth. He's probably getting my present out from his cloak. Eirika thought to herself. Suddenly, she felt a significant weight deposit itself into her hands.
"You can open your eyes now." Mark said.
As Eirika opened her eyes, she saw something that she hadn't expected: Mark wasn't in his cloak. Instead, he had on his disheveled shirt and pants combo. Looking down, he saw that his cloak was in her hands. Mark caught her staring at the cloak and chuckled.
"Don't worry, I cleaned it an hour ago." Mark joked.
Eirika shook her head. "It's not that, it's just… Why did you give me this? You wear it all the time." She said, confusion evident on her face.
"A few reasons. The first being that I remembered the last time we were in this castle, you commented on how you wanted a cloak like mine. I couldn't find one, so mine will have to do. Second, this cloak was given to me by your father, so I figured you would want something else to remember him by." Mark explained.
Eirika nodded, her attention still focused on the cloak. She looked up at Mark. "Thank you Mark… It means a lot to me that you would let me keep this." She said.
"No problem Eirika. Here, I'll get it on for you." Mark said, picking up the cloak and helping Eirika put it on.
The cloak was heavier than Eirika had expected, though it was as cozy as it had always felt when she had used it as a pillow on Mark's lap. After moving her arms into the sleeves, Mark and Eirika came face-to-face. He looked her over.
"It looks good on you." Mark commented.
Eirika's face beamed in response. "Thank you." She said.
Whatever Mark was going to say in response was lost as the two of them made eye contact. Something happened in that moment that neither would be able to explain for months to come. Upon making eye contact that night, the two of them froze. The rest of the world faded into non-existence as they lost themselves in the other person's eyes. Eirika took a step towards Mark-
And then they were both suddenly thrown out of their trance as a very drunk Joshua threw the door open to the balcony. The two stepped away from each other and whipped their heads to face the red-haired mercenary.
"Heeeeey~ so this is where you two are!" Joshua said with a grin. Then he noticed Eirika's change of clothing. "Oooooh princess~ are you taking advantage of Mark? For sh-*hic*-shame!" Joshua joked, causing the princess of Renais to blush furiously.
Mark shook his head at Joshua's antics, but was realized that Joshua was already pulling both him and Eirika back into the party room.
"Look! There's a dansh floor!" Joshua slurred, heading towards the area were, as Joshua said, dancing. The redhead grabbed a person at random and pulled them towards the dance floor.
"Gods, how many drinks has he had?" Eirika asked incredulously.
"None." Mark answered in reply. Eirika's eyes widened and jaw dropped at the statement, and Mark decided to explain further rather than poke fun at her hilarious expression. "He didn't have any alcohol on his breath, so he's probably just pretending so he can get away with stuff he normally wouldn't." Mark commented.
Eirika shook her head in exasperation. Indeed, had she known that Joshua was completely sober, she probably would have been much harsher on him for interrupting them and teasing her. She sighed, and looked over to Mark.
"Would you dance with me for one song? I'm tired, but I'd still like to dance before I go to sleep." Eirika asked.
Mark smiled in response, and held out a hand for her to take. "Of course 'milady'." Mark said teasingly.
Eirika scowled, and Mark chuckled in response. He knew that she hated it when he was formal with her, but he knew that they both needed to quickly get over the awkwardness of whatever had happened outside.
What was that, anyways? The two of them wondered as they walked towards the dance floor.
The two of them turned out to be quite good dancers, and Eirika was pleasantly surprised by Mark's ability to dance. She had been taught by various tutors how to do many things as a princess, and dancing was one of them. She wondered how Mark had learned, but decided not to question it, and simply enjoy the dance that they were sharing.
"Is that Seth dancing with Natasha?" Mark asked.
Turning in the direction that Mark had indicated, Eirika did indeed see Seth and Natasha dancing quite close to each other. She smiled. She knew that Natasha had a crush on Seth, and she hoped that her friend would eventually reciprocate those feelings.
"Good for them." Eirika commented with a smile.
After a few more minutes, the song started winding down, and the two walked out of the dance area.
"Thank you Mark, you and Seth gave my brother and I one of our best birthdays ever." Eirika commented.
"Wow, I'm sorry princess." When Eirika looked at him with confusion, he continued. "You must have had some pretty awful birthdays." He joked.
She lightly punched his shoulder. "I mean it! After everything that's happened recently, I wasn't sure I could have an enjoyable moment like this… But it was just what I needed to take my mind off everything."
Mark gave Eirika his goofy grin. She noted that it had been quite some time since he had last seen it, and it comforted her to get to see it once again. Mark was about to say more, but he saw Seth walking over with Innes.
"Well, it seems like I'm needed, so I'll see you in the morning, Eirika." Mark said.
Eirika frowned, seeing what he was looking at. "Are you sure that you don't want me to help you?" Eirika asked.
"No, it's better if I defend myself. If you keep defending me, they'll eventually think that I'm just deceiving you. Go to bed Eirika, I'll be fine." Mark said.
Eirika looked between him and the two that were approaching, and grudgingly left the room, though not before sending one last glance in Mark's direction. He flashed her one last grin in response, and turned to face Seth and Innes.
"What can I do for you gentlemen?" Mark asked cordially.
"Why don't you tell us why you're here, 'Mark'" Innes said coldly.
"Well, Eirika's my friend, and it would be a shame to leave after I helped Seth set up the party-"
"That's not what he meant and you know it." Seth growled.
Mark sighed. "No, I suppose it isn't, is it? In answer to your question, I didn't really have much of a choice."
Innes nodded. "Understandable. My main question is how are you here? Last I heard, you were dead."
Mark grinned. "Apparently death is too good for me."
That caused the other two to raise their eyebrows. "What? You think I don't regret what I've done? I'm responsible for countless deaths, and quite a few of them weren't even enemies." Mark commented.
Innes scrunched up his nose. "I was more concerned about your reputation. The 'Warmaster' was known for very deceptive tactics before his demise." Innes commented.
Seth's eyes widened at the title given to Mark. "He's the-" Seth started, before Mark cut him off.
"Please don't use that name." Mark pleaded, his eyes suddenly looking very tired. "I don't care what you want me to do after this, but that name has too many painful memories attached to it." The two eyed him wearily, but nodded affirmatively. "Thank you. I know that my reputation is not the most flattering, but that is not a concern of yours anymore."
"How so?" Seth asked.
"I'm leaving." Mark said, surprising the two. "Every moment that I travel with your group puts all of you in danger. I can't guarantee that I can retain my sanity if I stay so close to battlefields."
"What?! Why?" Innes asked.
At this, Mark raised an eyebrow. "You mean you don't know?" Mark asked. When the two of them shook his head, he paused. He shook his own head and continued. "It doesn't matter. Unless I get exceedingly unlucky, you will never see me again. I have left a note in my room for the princess. I would appreciate it if you delivered it to her. Feel free to read it first." Mark said.
The tactician started to walk out of the room, but the two men walked in front of him. "I think not." Innes said, walking in front of Mark. "Not only are you under the employ of Renais, we now have a warrant to take you in for questioning." Innes said smoothly.
Seth seemed uncomfortable with the idea of taking Mark in for questioning, but both he and the Frelian prince were confused when Mark started chuckling.
"Okay, okay… First, you are incorrect. My contract with Renais ended when King Fado died. Second, you both forget that I'm never without options." Mark said with a grin.
At the end of Mark's statement, he disappeared in a blinding flash. Cursing, Seth momentarily forgot that Mark still had warp powder left. He tried to remember how much the tactician had said he had left, but he could not for the life of him remember. Innes looked at Seth questioningly, and Seth explained how Mark could use warp powder to teleport.
Innes scowled. "Then what you're telling me is that he could be anywhere, since we both have no idea how far he can travel or how much warp powder he had on his person."
"Unfortunately your highness, this appears to be the case." Seth said with a grimace. "It would be pointless to try to follow him. He doesn't leave a trace when he teleports."
Innes sighed. "Well, at least we won't have to worry about betraying us for now. However, we should keep an eye out for him in the future." Innes warned.
Seth nodded in affirmation. The group would have to watch out for the ex-tactician in the future, he could prove to be exceptionally dangerous.
Mark however, was staring at Castle Frelia from the top of a nearby mountain. Sighing, he regretted that he had to leave, but he knew that if he stayed he would only cause more pain to the small group. He needed a solution before he got worse, so he headed towards the only place that might help him: Caer Pelyn.
Nothing will ever save you from me The voice told him. I hate you, and I will ensure that your torment is eternal.
A/N:
HOLY CRAP AN UPDATE
Okay, so things got really crazy for me. Firstly, I'm currently failing some of my college courses, so don't expect the weekly schedule I used to have. Secondly, I lost quite a lot of this stuff when my google docs crashed (long story)
But yeah, I've decided that I'm going to reveal Mark's backstory a little bit earlier than I had originally intended.
Finally, I'm not happy about how I've done Myrrh's character at the start here. I have a hard time writing nervous characters, so I'll probably re-write that part at some point.