It's time for another chapter or Promise. This one was quick I know, but I felt like writing a little more today. How do you guys feel about the amount of character development in this story? Too much? Not enough? You're more than welcome to share your thoughts. I value the opinions of all my readers.

One more thing. Have you taken a look at Savior? It's a short prequel set before the events of this story. You might like it if you're a fan of Mozu.

Now then, shall we begin?

Faith and Compassion

Yet another day – and yet more lives, more epic tales of the great storybook of life had come to an end. Indeed, this war between two kingdoms knew no bounds. Even as the soldiers of Hoshido celebrated their victory with wine, song and dance, shrine maidens swaying in elegant kimono and swordsman regaling their battlefield epics – there was one who had no time for such luxuries.

A cool, sombre moon washed the lakeside in its radiance – the deep blue waters looking so tranquil at this late hour. In silence, there came time to reflect at long last. After all, this was one of the first battles. There were many still to come.

Casting aside his coat of illustrious red, Sirus looked upward to the beautiful lunar goddess in the sky; her vibrant energy filled his quiet heart with at least a hint of solace. It was then, staring down at his velvet garment, a sign of his past, that he knew what to do.

Reaching into his pocket, the young warrior gave a small, curve of the lips, bowing his head out of respect as he brought out a silvery pendant, circular in shape with elegant design – a small sapphire gemstone set into the middle. Turning it over to examine the back, he felt a flicker in his heart at the sight of a delicate engraving.

'Faith and compassion walk hand in hand. My dearest Sirus, may the water goddess forever protect you in times of hardship. This is my gift to you. I pray it will bring you comfort in the darkest of hours.'

Stopping beside the deepest blue waters, his reflection flickering and dancing against the lake, Sirus came down on one knee, clasping the piece of jewellery between closed palms. Allowing his tired mind to wander, he closed his eyes in remembrance.

"Goddess of water… lady of this pristine lake who lights the way for the lost and lonely, I give thanks to thee for my survival on this day, and I pray that you embrace all of those who lost their lives. May you grant your gift of love and warmth on this night and forever more. I beg of thee... guide our wandering spirits home."

Opening his eyes, taking note of the faintest pulse of light emanating from the gemstone of his pendant, Sirus gave little more than a short nod of thanks, placing the precious object away within the safety of his pocket once more.

"I thank you for your kindness..."

A rustle of the trees – movement so sudden it broke his fragile peace, caused the hairs upon the back of his neck to raise. Turning with poise, grabbing for his coat in a swooping motion and threading his arms through the holes, the warrior stood prepared.

"Who's there? Show yourself. I've little time for tricksters."

Fiery red – tribal markings and passionate flames. A sight all too familiar brought with it a hint of comfort, a stern expression reminding him that he was in friendly company.

"Rinkah… Forgive me. Since this place is so secluded, I chose to keep my guard up. I hope I didn't offend you with my brashness."

"Nonesense," she huffed – her expression eventually softening.

Coming forth, cracking her knuckles as she went and throwing her arms behind her back, chest puffed out with surety and pride, she took her place beside Sirus, her powerful eyes gazing into him.

"I wished to find you. In fact, I spoke to the Nohrian girl. Charlotte, was it? She said you would be here for a time. In truth, I would have announced my presence sooner, but I didn't want to interrupt your moment of tranquillity."

Continuing onward, her brow furrowed in thought, Rinkah smiled for the faintest moment. "It is interesting. I did not take you for a follower of the water goddess. Then again, I'm ill-informed of Nestran belief. My people follow the fire spirit, you see."

The water goddess and the fire spirit – two sides of the same coin. Though he wasn't all that knowledgeable about the spirit of the tribal people, he'd heard a lot of different stories.

"I can see the inquisitive look in your eyes."

Rinkah's words, weighty as always, brought silence to his thoughts. "Do you wish to know more about my people? I'll happily tell you, providing that you spar with me again, Sirus."

Stepping back, the lady oni held up her fists, forceful and determined as she slammed her feet into the dirt. Ready and raring to go, held in stance like an alpha wolf, she let out a fearsome shout. It was as though fire itself crackled across her body.

"Right here and right now. I am eager to see if you've learned anything more since our last bout. Be warned however. I will not go easy on you like last time."

Easy on him?! The last time they fought she'd damn near beat him into submission. Rinkah's training ritual, for lack of a kinder word, was utter barbarity compared to the training with which he was accustomed.

Yet even as he grimaced quietly over the thought of late night combat practice, there was something Sirus couldn't push aside – a feeling deep down, glowing with the faintest of lights at the core of his heart. Understanding – he felt as though through fighting like this, he gained a better understanding of his mighty companion.

With that firmly in mind, there was absolutely no way he could refuse. Adrenaline surged across his body, and casting aside his velvet cloak with a smile, the rogue of Nestra slipped into his position of combat.

"I'll gladly take you up on the offer, Rinkah. With the lady of the lake as my witness, I shall give it my all."

"Very good… Then let's go! DON'T LET ME DOWN!"

Without a shred of warning, Rinkah took off in a burst of speed, thundering ever closer with fists outstretched. Her feet leaving the ground in a powerful jump, she swung her leg outward, slashing through the air as if her limb were a mighty axe.

"Not so fast I'm afraid, milady."

Sliding back on a pair of agile feet, roguish dexterity his ally above all else, Sirus avoided the first strike, turning his arm outward and beckoning forth with a flick of the fingers.

"A strong opening, but you cannot best me if you cannot hit me."

On the move again, the cool evening air acting to keep his body level – he rushed forth in the open, skidding to the side in a feint as the lady's firsts hit nothing but air.

"A word of advice… less power… and a little more haste."

*THUMP!*

Rinkah stayed rooted, letting out a sharp, brutish cough as Sirus' knucles collided with her chest. Head held downward, breathing deeply, she remained quiet and unmoving, little more than her short, sharp exhales serving to bring sound to the exchange.

"A word of advice to you, too."

Letting out an empowered howl, the lady of flame stared with unyielding heat into Sirus' eyes. He could see it inside of her, vigour and truest belief, the unshakable spirit of a people emitted through her orbs of powerful red. It sent a shudder of fear down his back.

There was no time to prepare. Sirus felt his feet leave the ground, accompanied by an unstoppable, painfully dull force against his solar plexus. Rasping, his head swirled in a nauseous circle as he sailed through the air, colliding with the ground moments later in a jarring thump.

Footsteps, broken distorted, audible only through the thickest of fog, warned his senses of an incoming threat. He had to move – he had to move right now or she'd be-

"Less speed and more power. There's no sense in all of that fancy evasion if you go down in a single hard strike. A true warrior has both deft and constitution."

Before he could even realize it, Sirus left the floor, pulled up swiftly by a pair of tightly gripped hands upon his shoulders. Still wobbly and blurred, the best he could do was give Rinkah silent thanks, amazed and quietly terrified in equal measure of her strength.

Something felt different about this embrace, too. Was it perhaps the closeness of it? Well, whatever it was, the Nestran didn't get a lot of time to contemplate, as his sparring partner backed away – fixated upon the ground if only for a moment.

"It looks like-"

She paused, apparently struggling with the words. "It looks like I win this one… and in one strike, no less. You had better improve for next time."

Sitting down now – apparently done with fighting, Rinkah folded her legs and motioned for Sirus to sit beside her with a pat of her palm against the ground.

"Come… let us talk for a while… and by the flames, you can stop being so quiet."

Snapped back from his mental landscape by the sternness of her voice, Sirus relaxed, dropping his shoulders and moving to sit down too. The attention of his ally, a rival of sorts, seemed fixated upon the moon – those red doorways to her soul lost so deeply within the embrace of lunar light.

"Is there something on your mind, milady? I've never seen you act so… subdued. It's almost as though the moon has you within its grasp."

"I am simply thinking of the tales of old," she replied swiftly – moving her focus away from the sky and firmly upon Sirus once more. "Do you know what they say about the fire spirit and the water goddess? Did any of the tribal stories reach Nestra?"

There was definitely some backtracking to be done in order to recall such distant memories – of that there was no doubt. In the deepest regions of the past, lost somewhere between the haze of his childhood and adulthood, there rested a story, told by a priestess at the small water shrine in the capital of Cyrkensia.

"They say they were comrades in arms in the times of old, dearest and most trusted friends to the light dragon. They served as protectors alongside an old and extinct race of people known the Manakete when Anankos tried to destroy the world."

"Indeed," Rinkah smiled – her expression both uncharacteristic in its gentleness and warmth alike. "I must say… I am impressed. I did not think your small coastal kingdom would know the tales of my people."

"A great many of us do not," his words bore a clarity, undercut with a hint of sadness. "Most people in Nestra simply do not believe in the water goddess anymore. My household is an exception."

She nodded understandingly – quiet for a moment before her voice returned with its usual strength. "Do you know what else they used to say about the fire spirit and the water goddess?"

Aside from the story he already knew, the warrior of red held little more information, and it wasn't as though he had the luxury of returning home to speak with the priestesses at the water shrine again any time soon.

"No… I'm afraid I don't know any more than that. Please… indulge me, Rinkah. I'd like for you to tell me."

Strange – all of the sudden the fiery warrior shuffled away, putting distance between them and making sure there was not a hint of eye contact. Looking firmly upon the floor as though her life depended on it, hands clasped together, she tried to speak again.

"L-lovers," Rinkah stammered - a bright glow of impassioned red washing over her cheeks.

"They say that the fire spirit and the water goddess were once lovers. They fell in battle, hand in hand beside the last of the Manakete, giving their lives so that the light dragon could encase Anankos in stone and bring a brief period of peace to the world. The lady of water was known for her compassion… while the prince of flame was known for his unyielding strength and fighter's spirit."

What was it about this conversation that was making Rinkah so nervous? This was the first time Sirus had seen it, and for the life of him, he could not figure out why she was acting this way. To see her so beside herself, shy and embarrassed as appose to her usual assured nature was slightly jarring.

"Are you alri-"

"Yes!"

Her booming voice brought silence to the already shaky conversation. Wilting, almost as though a flower as appose to a mighty forest tree, Rinkah edged away even further. "I struggle with talk of romance and compassion…. My people do not often discuss such things amongst friends… but I find you to be deserving of such a thing."

Was that supposed to be some kind of compliment? Confused to say the least, the best Sirus could do was present a slow, cautious nod. At heart he couldn't help but feel responsible, almost as though he'd said something to offend.

"Well… thank you. I must admit… I too struggle with talk of things such as this. I was raised in a very conservative household and there was little time away from my duties. However… if I have offended you then I offer my apologies."

"Do not be foolish," Rinkah silenced him again. "I simply wished to tell the story out of interest… nothing more. In truth… I struggle as much with making friends as I do discussing matters of the heart."

Now things were becoming clearer – the veil-like shroud of mystery lifting away with the night time breeze.

At ease in his understanding, Sirus smiled.

"Is that your way of saying you wish to be my friend, Rinkah? If so… I'll happily accept. After all… I'm grateful for our sparring practice. If anything… you're helping me improve."

She said nothing – instead squeezing her fingers in a clasp within her lap. Seconds moved onward, lost forever in the endless dance of time, and from the nothingness, there came a blunt, defeated sigh of sorts from the tribal girl's lips.

"I would… like that…. I would also like to share more stories with you at a later date. Providing you train more, of course."

Standing upright, brushing the blades of grass from her clothing, Rinkah remained steadfast, her moment of weakness apparently long gone. "I simply cannot invest myself in a bond of comradery unless you are willing to improve your style of fighting. It would be an insult to my tribe."

Now this was the lady he was accustomed to seeing – blunt and unrelenting even to a fault. This was her way of speaking, the way in which she evaluated people, through talk of battle and showings of power.

If anything, it brought a faint spark to flicker deep within, bringing life to a feeling of happiness along with it. He wanted to say something, wanted dearly to give thanks, but was brought to quiet again by the sight of a hand held out before him.

"Let us shake on it."

Rinkah beamed – her passionate embers almost enough to illuminate even the darkness of night. "As I said... I will tell you more stories if you agree to focus upon your training. Take it or leave it."

Taking her hand – almost pulled to the ground by the sheer might of her shake, Sirus gave his agreement, alongside a polite bow of his own, a habit of his youth.

"It would seem as though we have a deal, Miss Rinkah. I'll do all I can to meet your expectations and improve. I sense we shall need it for the battles ahead."

*Rinkah and Sirus attained support level B*

"Most definitely… and speaking of such things."

Turning toward the woodland track, the sole pathway back toward the dim fires of the Hoshidan campsite, she folded her arms, deep and considerate, the smallest of frowns curving those reddish, chapped lips of hers.

"I hear the once Prince Ryoma arrives we will be marching toward our next destination, Wolfskin Peak. It is apparently a plan of Kaze's to ensure that we do not get surrounded, especially since our foes have larger armies at their disposal."

"Wolfskin?" What an interesting name – one that Sirus had never heard during his time on the road. It sounded sinister at the very least.

"Yes…. The Wolfskin are a race of prideful shapeshifters… wary of humans but supposedly stronger than even the mightiest of knights. Not that it will matter."

The expression of confidence was back again in its fullest – the demeanour Rinkah was known for above all else. Punching her fists together, flames of purest orange burned within her eyes.

"If they prove to be a danger to us then I will fight with all I have… and show them the mettle of my clan. I am sure with you beside me there are is no enemy too great…."

A smile, surprisingly devious for one so forthright and honourable, graced the girl's lips. "That is of course if you keep up your training."

Was that her attempt at making a joke? It certainly seemed as much, and to say it was amusing would've been a little too generous. Still, unable to fault her for trying, Sirus allowed the tiniest chuckle to escape.

"More power and less speed I assume, Miss Rinkah?"

"Exactly."

Turning her back, giving one gruff, final chuckle before sitting and folding her legs, Rinkah looked to the moon yet again. Seemingly uninterested in anything else, she batted an eyelash in the general direction before returning to her thoughts.

"What are you-"

"Sirus! Where are you, fool? There's celebrations to be had and I don't want to be left out!"

The rouge-clad warrior found himself silenced by distant shouts – delivered by yet another voice he knew all too well. Indeed, there was no mistaking that feminine yet somehow rowdy tone. As gentle as a snowy princess one moment – and brutal as a berserker the next.

"Charlotte," he laughed softly – the image of her delicate features overtaking his thoughts. "How she picks fantastic moments to make her presence known."

"You had better return to the Nohrian," Rinkah spoke sternly, eyes closed as she exhaled. "Such an indignant woman … but you had best not keep her waiting. I'll be fine here. Worry not… I am going to meditate for a while."

Before he could leave however – his blond bodyguard, indignant and scowling, emerged from the bushes, hands placed upon her hips like a displeased noble princess.

Her glare, like daggers, shot toward Rinkah first, and then to him.

"How much longer do you intend to stay out here?"

There was something slightly off about her attitude – almost as though the point of her emotional blade held a new sharpness entirely. Again, she growled, levelling another long, painful stare at the tribal daughter.

"C'mon… Sirus. There's singing and dancing. Let us go get some wine and enjoy the celebrations."

Hand held outward, surprisingly aloof and dainty of all of the sudden, she locked her sapphires with his emeralds, somehow pleading amidst her frustration.

"Please milord? I'm asking nicely… as a lady to a gentleman. Will you accompany me?"

Again, she played the part of a delicate flower in the company of another – the almighty bile from moments before apparently swallowed. Did Rinkah buy it? Sirus wasn't sure, but regardless, he agreed.

Reaching out, the Nestran took her hand, giving a polite bow of the head and for once, playing the part a man befitting his lesser-noble stature. "Of course. Please excuse my manners. Let's be off, Miss Charlotte. Lead the way."

"It would be my pleasure," she giggled innocently, "Thank you."

Turning one last time, Sirus gave his regards to Rinkah. "Farewell and we shall meet again soon. Until then."

One of her red eyes flickered open, just long enough for her to throw a subtle frown in the direction of Charlotte. What was that for? Did she have a problem with her or something?

"Of course. Be sure to focus on your training for when next we spar. I do not wish for a repeat of this evening… and remember… you must focus your attention on power… not speed."

Before he could say another word, Sirus found himself dragged away, his hand squeezed painfully tight as the lakeside drifted from view and leafy branches scratched against his face. Halfway down the forested pathway, surrounded by mighty trees and the hooting melody of a nearby owl, he stopped in his tracks, finally released by Charlotte.

Her shoulders tensed - her aura icy as the northern mountains.

The curvy axe fighter growled like a stray wolf, fingers strangled together in a tight knot.

At first, she said not a word, until she swung around with grandeur, her bluish pools seeming to glow with bitterness.

"I should warn you to stay away from a savage such as her. I've heard many a rumour milord, concerning the barbarity of tribal folk. I've no doubt she intends to sway you from your mission. Something about those primitive types really rubs me the wrong way…."

It wasn't so easy to share the same sentiment when Rinkah's techniques had helped greatly in the most recent battle. Amused at least a tiny bit by his golden-haired companion and her mistrust, Sirus simple let out a short chortle.

"You worry needlessly, milady. Rinkah is as harmless as they come. I see no reason to dislike her, especially when she's so fearsome a fighter."

"It's exactly that which bothers me," Charlotte barked, hands on her hips once again - she carried herself like a spoiled brat. "Such a lack of grace and beauty, so crude and ill-defined. She's not the kind of person I'd like to spend time with. You're a noble and yet you entertain her company… how droll."

Was there any need for such harsh criticism? What was the issue here? Hands held up in defence, Sirus prepared to stand his ground.

"Is there something I am missing here, Charlotte? You've seen her around camp before, have you not? Why now of all times do you choose to take a disliking to her? I'm sure you've-"

"Forget it," the buxom beauty rolled her eyes, scoffing hard as she swung back and continued on her way. "I simply thought that you of all people would have held an ounce of self-respect. She's base and displeasing… she's-"

As though a fire sparked to life – suddenly Sirus understood the issue plain as daylight. It was all too close to home; in a manner, which he almost cursed himself for overlooking.

"It's because she can see through the polite façade you portray, isn't it? She sees you for who you really are… even at a glance, and it frustrates you."

Stopping dead in her tracks, feet anchored into the dirt below – Charlotte spun around in a stony glare. Unflinching, unblinking, she let true extent of her mysterious frustration bleed through.

"You're half right…. Again my lord, you are so deductive that I could almost swoon."

Such blatant, vicious sarcasm. Apparently uninterested in saying anything more, Charlotte gave a frozen shoulder and stomped on ahead. "I shall meet you back at camp, my noble idiot. Don't keep me waiting too long… As I said… I'd still like a drink… before the cask runs dry."

Just like that – the well endowed, furiously driven young woman was gone – barrelling on ahead and leaving the noble in stunned silence, eyes wide and pupils shrunken and tiny. His thoughts ticked in overtime like an old lordly clock.

If anything, tonight had brought so many questions. Why were the people of the Fire Tribe so prideful, almost to a fault? Why did Rinkah choose to close off her feelings? Why did Charlotte hold such a passionate dislike toward her? There must have been more to this story.

More importantly, as the clouds covered the moon, allowing darkness to overtake the surrounding woodland, Sirus folded his arms and pondered the most important question of all – one he could not shake no matter how hard he tried.

"Charlotte… is the mask you wear so important that you feel instant hostility toward those who can see through it? More importantly… what do you mean I am only 'half right' about this?"

Saying a silent prayer – eyes rolling in annoyance, Sirus looked up at the final tiny hints of the moon's rays, almost entirely hidden away by clouds.

"Water goddess help me. A heart is already a castle in its own right. The heart of a woman? That is another mystery entirely."

Indeed, the truest of her motivations, buried far beneath the surface, still felt like a total mystery.

"You never cease to amaze me, Charlotte."

To be continued….

Another chapter has reached its end. As always, if you liked it then you're more than welcome to leave some feedback. As I said before, I value the opinions of all my readers. I'm also open to suggestions.

Keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again for your time. I'm very grateful to all the people, new readers and returning, that keep up with my stories. Until next time!