You're an Honest Girl
Finally I'm updating. Anyway, on a side note. I received a review from a guest but I couldn't respond back. Well, either way, they asked if I forgot about Shinon and Gatrie. Indeed I have not, I just hadn't gotten around to writing them into the story. If anyone is concerned I plan on adding in all the playable characters from the game. Sorry if it's taking to long to add some people in.
I don't own any characters from fire emblem
-Punjabigrown
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The five travelers trudged the injured bodies back home. The sun was setting behind them and casting violet hues on the shrubbery surrounding their path. Ike cradled the sleeping girl in his arms as he limped slightly along. He looked down at her resting face; her eyelids flickered, she must have been dreaming Ike concluded.
Her rounded face was nuzzled in the crook of his neck and her steady breathing tickled. "Is she heavy?" Ikyna softly questioned while leaning over to Ike. "Not really." He admitted as he tightened his grasp. Aeyori groaned softly and turned her face into his shoulder.
"You need a little help there. I could carry her for you if it's too much." Boyd called out. The twins turned their attention to the green-haired mercenary and both shook their heads.
"How can you carry her when you're riding on Oscar's horse?" Ikyna teased.
Boyd's cheeks tinted a pale pink and he turned away as Oscar pulled him along on the brown mare. "I can walk just fine."
"Hardly." Oscar added in, "You're the one that fell on your face after taking the first few steps."
"I tripped over a stump."
Oscar and Ikyna scoffed at the same time but didn't respond. "I don't think it matters anyway." Ike began, "She's holding on pretty tight."
Ike looked down as Aeyori tightly fisted the hem of his shirt in her hands. She held him in a surprisingly strong grip despite being asleep to the world.
"Finally we're home!" Ikyna exclaimed happily as she threw her hands into the air. The stone fort like house came into view as the dirt path they were traveling branched off into a narrow pebbled road. "Big brother, Big Sister!" Mist waved excitedly as she ran towards the approaching group. Rolf was trailing behind her slowly with a thin smile on his face.
"You're back." She said as she bounded in front of her older siblings. Mist's sparkling blue eyes drooped down in concern suddenly. A shadow of worry clouded her expression, "What happened to you? Are you all alright?"
"It's really fine Mist. You don't need to make such a fuss about us."
"But Ike, look at you…"
"Boyd, you look awful." The boy stated as he arrived with his hands placed in his pockets. "Did you get beaten up that badly?"
"Be quiet you little twerp." Boyd retorted with slight irritation. He hopped off the horse, received a protest from Oscar, and hobbled over to his brother before grinding his knuckles into his younger brothers leaf-colored hair.
Rolf groaned and quickly brushed the hands away.
"Boyd, settle down." Titania said with her usual serious expression as she arrived on her trotting horse. "You'll start bleeding again.
Rolf's emerald eyes widened in shock, "You're bleeding somewhere?"
Boyd shook his head, "It's fine kiddo." He flashed a genuine smile at his brother to reassure him. Rolf relaxed his face a little at his brother's comment.
"Don't let him fool you Rolf. He's about two seconds away from passing out any moment now." Oscar said.
"Hey brother, who is that?" Mist pointed at Ike's chest.
"It's still kind of a mystery."
Mist stood on her toes to get a peek at the bundle in Ike's arms. She saw a snoozing round face with porcelain skin and full red lips. Why was her brother carrying this girl she had never seen? "What's wrong with her?"
"She's hurt pretty badly we need to get her to Rhys."
Mist nodded quickly, "Okay Rolf and I will run ahead and let Rhys know." She grabbed Rolf's hand and began tugging him in the direction of the house.
As the two figures grew smaller Ike nodded to the others, "I guess we should follow them."
"Indeed, for her sake as well as ours we should see Ryhs." Oscar commented as he wrapped his brother's arm over his shoulder. Boyd was swaying from blood loss but gratefully smiled at his brother's support. "I think I'll second that motion." He weakly said as he leaned into his brother.
"Finally, you're speaking something sensible." Oscar mused as they started walking toward the fort. Ike and Ikyna exchanged smiles and began tiredly making their way home.
)(
Night had settled over Phoenicis and cooled the humid summer weather. A slow and steady breeze blew over plunging mountain peaks of the hawk land. The smell of the salty ocean lingered in the air. Reyson leaned against the balcony outside his room and inhaled deeply, enjoying smell of the ocean water. He thought back to when he first arrived in Phoenicis; the aroma of the salt used to churn his stomach, now it was so familiar he greatly enjoyed it. Tonight especially, Reyson was taking in the calming effect of the ocean smell; he was still feeling anxious about his recent confrontation with Tibarn.
"I was so stupid." He muttered to himself in frustration. The white prince leaned on his elbows and sighed as he stared through the cape of darkness.
"Your highness?"
Reyson whipped his head around, startled by the sudden intrusion on his silent thoughts. "Oh it's just you Lotz." Reyson could hardly make out the figure standing in the dimly lit room. Only the lone torch Lotz was carrying illuminated the young hawks face.
The hawk king attendant bowed deeply, "I'm sorry did I startle you?"
Lotz nervously rubbed the back of his head with a goofy smile.
"It's alright. Did you need something?" He asked as he turned around to fully face him.
"Oh." Lotz's green eyes widened as if he suddenly remembered why he came. "The King has requested your presence in the throne room."
Reyson flinched rather noticeably after hearing the king's name. A mixture of shame and discomfort settled over the heron. He looked down at the floor as he rubbed his hands over his face. "Are you alright? Is something wrong?"
Lotz rushed over to Reyson and frantically waved his hands in panic. "Do you need something, water, food? Should you sit down your highness?"
Reyosn silently shook his head. He felt his heart began to beat faster and his face felt warm. Just the thought of facing Tibarn, after his more than embarrassing outburst, was enough to make his head hurt. He was filled with shame and had no desire to see his friend at the moment. On the other hand, avoiding Tibarn didn't seem like the best choice.
"I'm fine. Does he need me right now?"
Lotz nodded quickly, "Yes, if you're really feeling well enough that is."
"Yes, I can go now." Reyson gave a faint smile and decided to muster up the courage to find out what Tibarn wanted.
)(
"So you've finally arrived." Rhys grinned brightly as he turned around from a wooden cabinet. In his hand he held a bundle of vulnerary in one hand and bandages in the other. "I think, you're worse off than Rolf and Mist described."
The injured gang of mercenaries finally arrived into the medical room of the Greil fort. Two beds and two small desks stood in the room. An assortment of herbs on tables and drying medicinal plants filled the area.
Boyd groaned as if to confirm Rhys suspension. "Oh dear, much worse." He hurried to Boyd's side and began study his battered and bruised body. "By the goddess." He whispered under his breath.
Boyd pushed the orange-haired priest towards Ike, "Help her first. I can handle myself a little longer."
Rhys turned quickly towards and Ike. His face dropped into further concern. "Who is she?"
"We found her on the road being chased by some Daein bandits."
"Daein?" Rhys looked curiously at Ike as he placed his hand over Aeyori's forehead. She was warm from fever. "Why is Daein here?"
"I'm not sure, I was hoping we could ask her once she wakes up. Can you help?"
"Oh yes of course." Rhys stammered, "Just set her down on the bed."
He made his way to one of the desks and pulled out a heal staff. Ike complied and walked to the bed. He bent over and tried to set her down but she mumbled through her sleep. Her hands tightened more against his shirt as she resisted being let go. To his surprise she seemed as if she didn't want him to stop holding her. Creases in her forehead began to appear and frowned as she moved herself deeper into his chest. Ike Knelt down and whispered in her ear, "It's alright, we're taking care of you."
At his words she slowly eased her grip and her body relaxed along with her frown. Ike gently let her down on the bed all while watching her slumber. A red glow was cast over her as Rhys held his heal rod above her. "I'll work on her first but I'd still like you all to get some treatment as well."
"Don't worry about that Rhys." Ikyna said, "We can just grab some vulnerary and patch ourselves up first."
"But…"
"No Rhys just focus on her." Ike said firmly.
Rhys sighed and submitted, "Very well, but don't go too far. The moment I get her more stable I'm coming for you guys."
"You know where to find us." Boyd said, "Come on Oscar, I want to rest for a little while."
As the two brothers left Ike turned to Rhys and asked, "Is my dad home yet?"
Rhy's blue eyes were locked on Aeyori as he passed the staff along her. "No the commander, Shinon and Gatrie still haven't returned."
"I hope they're okay." Ikyna absently said while trying to chase away the twinge of worry.
"They're fine. Shinon and Gatrie are senior mercenaries, plus you know dad can handle himself."
Ikyna shook her head in agreement, "Yeah you're right."
"It may take some time before I'm done here. Please see that you get rest while you wait." Rhys chimed in.
The twins nodded and a yawn escaped Ikyna's mouth. "That is probably a good idea." She wrapped her arm over Ike's shoulder with wide grin. "Can I pry you away from her?" she teased her brother as his eyes wandered to Aeyori again.
He turned to her with his usual straight face and received an amused smirk. "Let's go bro. She'll be fine."
)()()(
Reyson sluggishly walked to the throne room. His feet felt as if they were tied to boulders and his body reluctantly moved along with them. He wasn't ready to see Tibarn yet. What if the hawk king was still angry? Although that was probably unlikely Reyson reasoned. Tibarn had always cared for him and his father so it wasn't as if he would be genuinely outraged with Reyson. On the other hand, Reyson didn't want to see the pained face Tibarn made when his past was brought up in conversation.
The hawk that looked after him for 20 years didn't deserve that treatment. Before Reyson could finish anxiously pondering the predicament his own hot headed temper had gotten him into he was already standing in front of the throne room's large door. Despite knowing he shouldn't be afraid to see Tibarn, he hesitated and tried to convince himself to just push the doors open.
After finally mustering up the nerve, he lifted his hand to open the door but it swung open suddenly. Reyson's mouth dropped open in surprise as Ulki stood in front of him. "Why were you standing out here for so long your highness?"
"How did you know I was out here?"
"I heard you." He said plainly.
"Ah yes of course." Reyson said and lowered his head. He was the king's ears; he could hear grass growing on the other side a hill, of course he heard Reyson stalling outside the room. "Did you want to come in? The King is expecting you."
"Yes." He said with a heavy sigh. Reyson tensely entered and saw Tibarn staring down at a sheet of paper with a serious expression. He heard Ulki behind him state, "Don't be nervous. His majesty isn't one to hold a grudge."
Reyson shook his head as if trying to loosen the doubt eating in the pit of his stomach. "Yes, I suppose you're right."
)()()(
Ike finished wrapping his cut leg and decided to check on Aeyori again. He glanced at Ikyna who, after putting her arm in a sloppy handmade sling, fell asleep on the sofa in the sitting room. He cracked a short smile before grabbing a deer skin blanket and placing it over her. She scrunched her face up at the sudden disturbance before instantly settling down with a grin. "Thank you big brother." She murmured.
He gently brushed her hair out of her face and headed back to Rhys's room. Ike knocked twice and Rhys called back, "Come in." Rhys was in a corner folding some towels. When he noticed Ike he smiled, "Oh it's you Ike, how are you feeling?"
"Fine, how is…" Ike stopped speaking and motioned with his eyes to Aeyori.
"Actually, she's doing very well. She took to the treatment nicely." Rhys wiped his hands, "Whomever this girl is, she has amazing recovery skills."
He placed a reassuring hand on Ike's shoulder, "She's going to be just fine. How are you though?"
"It's fine, just a scratch on my calf. I think I came out with the least damage, at least other than Titania."
"Well then it works out that you're here. I need to check on everyone else. Do you mind watching her while I'm gone?"
He nodded and Rhys left Ike alone with the mystery girl. In the silence of the room Ike pulled up a chair at her bedside. While watching her sleep something caught his eye. On the side of her neck he noticed what looked like black tattoo. It was an interesting design even though he couldn't see it fully. Ike craned his neck to see the rest of it but to no avail. When he finally gave in he returned his gaze to Aeyori.
To his surprise she was staring silently up at him. Ike didn't know when, but she must have woken up while he was looking at her neck. For a moment Ike swore he saw her about to speak to him but the potential conversation was cut off by a deep voice bursting in. "Ah here you are boy."
"Father." Ike said suddenly startled by his father's intrusion. He stood up abruptly at attention, "When did you get here?"
"Ah Shinon, Gatrie and I just arrived. Mist ran up to me in a panic saying something about you bringing home a girl. I never thought you'd bring home a girl." He put his hand to his chin with a subtle smirk, "I expect that from Gatrie but…"
"It's not like that." Ike quickly cut in as he picked up on what his father was hinting at. "She was running away from some Daein knights and we saved her."
"I spoke with Titania and she told me the gist of the situation; but, I'd like to hear what happened from the source." He pointed to Aeyori who had sat up during the father and son conversation. "Feel free to add your side of the story at any time."
She looked from Ike to Greil with eyes that appeared border line suspicious of the two men in front of her. "So," Greil made his way up to her and loomed above her with a straight face. "What's your name little missy?"
"Aeyori." She said in a surprisingly strong voice.
"Well, Aeyori, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. May I ask who you are?"
"I'm Greil. I'm the commander of the mercenary group here."
"So I have you to thank you for the hospitality." She inclined her head.
"You're well-mannered. What was such a well-mannered young woman like yourself doing in the woods being chased by Daein knights?"
Aeyori's eyes flickered for an instant but she pursed her lips together and didn't say a word.
"You're not going to answer?"
She silently lowered her head but made no attempt to reply.
"I suppose everyone has a right to have their own secrets." Greil said as he grabbed a chair to sit down.
The two locked eyes and began what appeared to be a silent war between them. Each waiting the other out to see who would speak first. Ike watched without saying a word. Greil gave up first and placed his hands together, "As you know, however, I'm the commander of the group of people living here. It's important for me to fully understand a situation I might be subjecting my men to. I have to know if I can trust you if you're going to be staying here."
"Staying here?" she interjected with shock riddled over her face. "I couldn't impose like that."
"Nonsense, you need to rest and I'm perfectly happy to allow you to room here as you gain your strength. However, if I don't know what you've gotten yourself into, how can I trust you?"
"You don't have a reason to trust me sir."
Ike's eyes widened at her straightforward response.
"I see." Greil said
"Trust has to be earned doesn't it?"
"Indeed it does. Are you a decent or good enough person to allow you to stay in this house?"
"I think 'good' is a matter of perspective. I'm sure everyone can be viewed as 'good' to someone."
"Is that so? What about the men who were chasing you?"
Aeyori paused as she thought over the question. "Maybe to someone."
"And to you?"
"I'd like to wring all of their necks; they're rotten to the core in my book." She crossed her arms and scowled.
Greil hesitated before bursting into a hardy laugh. Ike was astonished by both Aeyori's brutal comment and his father's reaction. It took a few moments before Greil calmed himself with heavy sigh and a cough.
"You're an honest girl. I like that."
He stood up and gave his son a heavy smack over the shoulder, "Find her an empty room to stay in pup."
Greil looked down at her with a grin, "It's been nice meeting you Aeyori. I have some things to go over with Titania so I'll take my leave." He gave Ike a wink as he passed him, "Take good care of our guest."
Ike watched his father leave not understanding what the wink implied.
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I'm going to be getting busy pretty soon so sorry for the delayed updates. Please send me some reviews I really enjoy the feedback. And who knows, maybe reading a good review might inspire me to write so more eh? eh? :D
-Punjabigrown