My Obligation
Chapter 11: The Heart of a Child

The sun broke through the branches of the tree looming above him. It was nearly on the wavelength as being swatted by his mother. Of course, that was assuming Seth had ever endured that punishment. From what he could recall, he was a good child, one who always listened to his parents, and one with massive potential. Like any child of the era, he wanted to make his family proud of him. It was that pride instilled within him that pushed him in the direction to become a squire. That, and the influence of his father, Caradoc.

He'd gone in to make a name for himself, and he stayed for the princess and the family he'd sworn fealty to.

Seth's expression contorted, altered in such a way that he looked displeased. And he turned onto his right side, his left hand fingering the strands of grass that laid beneath him. It took only a few moments longer to consider the humidity of the day and the idea that he was still disrobed. Lazily he lifted an eyelid and peered about.

The night prior… He drew in a deep breath as he turned back onto his back and gazed at the tree above him. The night prior he'd had the most delightful dream. It was simply him and the teal-haired princess. The white dress, the dancing, that kiss… The thought that he and his beloved companion had shared… that, of all things, invoked a rather dark shade in his cheeks. He sat up and with idle hands began to feel around for his apparel. He didn't remember slipping it off aside from his dream and assumed he must have been overly warm to cloak himself in excruciating heat. And with the realization that he saw not his clothing, but a familiar dress of white, he felt his heart begin to sink.

Milady!

Not too far into the distance, he could see Zeto, Eirika's horse that she referred to so affectionately. Wary of his surroundings especially in his status, he carefully made his way to the creature, who seemed to neigh with an odd apathetic nature. Seth lifted a hand and patted him down. "You have been spending too much time with the prince of Frelia, clearly." And as Zeto began to shuffle along slowly again, Seth followed him.

He was led to the riverfront and paused when his ears detected the splashing. Zeto made a small sound, somewhere between a snort and a neigh before whipping his head back and forth, causing his mane to lift. Seth raised a hand once more and tamed the unruly hair. As he turned his attention onto the water, he found his cheeks colouring. What he saw managed to completely confirm the suspicions that the actions of the previous night were anything but a dream.

Oh, darling prince,
Unfurl for me your wings.
Let us fly to the future where we belong.

Oh, dearest love,
Lend to me your hand.
May I forever bask in your brilliant glory.

Oh, dashing man,
How I adore you so.
See how far we have traversed together.

Oh, sweet husband,
Our lives are forever intertwined.
You do complete every rapid beat of my heart.

Oh, confident lover,
Your delicate eyes upon me.
There is a warmth growing within me, you see.

Oh, delectable babe,
How wonderful you truly are.
Mother to kiss away all of your threatening tears.

Oh, troublesome child,
Protecting you until the end.
And yet there is so much more to you than you show.

Oh, precious family,
An eternal treasure of mine.
Take my hand, and let us take the path to tomorrow.

She was singing, and if Seth had ever questioned it before, he believed she sounded like an angel. Then again, he'd never seen an angel before, or even really knew much about them. If they sang, though, they must have sounded just like the princess. He watched her for a few moments, unable to see her face. She sounded happy, however, and for that, he was greatly relieved. His eyes began to examine her closely, as though he'd not had enough the night before and before they could wander too far across her bare flesh, he turned, so his back would face hers. Then he coughed, to catch her attention, before speaking.

"Milady… I… would appreciate it greatly if perhaps you could… enlighten me as to the whereabouts of my… apparel," he commented gently, thankful she could not see his glowing cheeks.

Eirika spun stiffly, nearly jumping with surprise. Then her hands instinctively lifted and pulled over her frame. She must have been as red as his hair and she idly wondered how long he had been standing there.

He… was watching me bathe?

She couldn't exactly chide him. After all, she was the one responsible for coercing him into his actions of the previous night. She'd manipulated him in a way, not truly understanding the weight of their actions or what it implied. She had convinced him it was a dream, even though she truly knew it wasn't. The reason she had, however, was because she believed that unless Seth was shoved into this, he would refuse to be open with her. Eirika wanted to know how it would feel to have her retainer's eyes upon her in that way. She had dreamt of it for so long that the moment he kissed her, she knew she could not have it any other way. Seth wasn't simply the Silver Knight to her any longer.

"…Seth…" she began softly with a blush. Then she began to slowly edge through the water. It had been at her thighs where she was. As she came in shore, she paused by him her right hand barely brushing against his flesh nonchalantly. She pointed to his apparel, hanging over a series of conveniently placed boulders. "See? I washed them this morning after I awoke."

And she didn't bother to wake him? Or inform him? He peered down to her, forcing his eyes upon her face. "Milady, I did not… It was not my… Please, you must—"

Her right hand lifted and she pressed her index finger to his lips, "Don't. I… convinced you to. I'm… sorry if you're insulted, if you're offended, I just…"

Seth's expression softened and he turned to her, peering down to his kind-hearted companion. His lips puckered against her fingertip, causing her to withdraw. "I am far from insulted. Did you not hear me? I did claim to…"

"Oh, how I love you, Eirika…"

The words echoed silently between them and she simply stared at him with a childlike wonder, wondering if he'd meant those words. "Seth… You are not the least bit angry with me for… for what I did? In spite of Prince Innes—"

He interjected and shook his head, "Milady, all is well. It was but like a dream. A simple dream, remember?" His lips upturned and he offered her a very rare smile. It was unlike him to be anything other than stoic. He knew, however, somehow, that with those events, and with that bond between the two, he would be smiling more often.

Extending a hand to his form, she casually drew her fingertips over his abdomen, curious and inquisitive. In the dark of the night, she had scarcely seen anything aside from the passionate glow in his eyes. That and the severe contrast between the pigments of their flesh. "…I think you can stop calling me that now…" she whispered softly, a blush staining her cheeks.

For an idle moment, Seth simply looked at her. How could she do this? Now? He glanced around hesitantly, keeping his eyes out for any lurkers and possible eavesdroppers. His eyes saw nothing, and his senses felt nothing except the tingle of his skin for where her inquisitive hands touched. Hesitantly, he reached for her, until he saw the reassurance in her eyes and heard the coo of her voice. She was giving her permission, something he would be asking for repetitively now. He drew her close against him, shivering once at the very feel of her small form pressed into him. And he felt that desire return, the one that wanted much to possess her. He peered down to her and when she offered to him her lips, he found that he could not resist her.

How long will we be able to be this way, milady? Once we return to Renais, we will be forced to hide this. I am not sure I would be able to withstand it. My heart wishes to burst from my chest. I wish to sing of this love I hold for you to the very stars, even if I did not have a proper singing voice, and yet I know I cannot. I must not.

And as he held her to him, he could not push aside the thought that Ephraim's trust in him was misplaced. For he had sinned, and greatly.

xxx

"It was no lie!" Mektar protested, his eyes wild with fear and intimidation. His frail body rattled as he cringed and took a few steps back. His left arm was outstretched and behind it was the tiny, malnourished son of his, ruled by his uncertainty over what would happen to his father.

Leonardo roared as he reached past the chair before him before flinging it to the wall. It met its end and broke into various splinters, something that most likely would be cleaned up later by one of his other cronies. His expression was twisted into one that a tyrant would hold, held in severe distaste, as though he would condemn this man and his son to the fiery depths of Hell. The gods would have no mercy on them, if they even existed, and given the circumstance, it certainly seemed like faith had left them.

"I offer to you shelter, protection from the outside world, and my food, and you defend a thief?!"

And his cronies began to move in. Mektar pushed his son behind him, well aware of how this situation would end, well aware of the heartache his son would endure as a result. Then he turned with that shaky demeanour and spoke in his raspy voice, one that indicated his old age. "…Laeron, go… Get out of here! I'll hold them off! Go find help, somewhere, anywhere, but don't ever return to Port Kiris! This place is no longer safe!"

The son, with wide eyes, awakened to the harsh realities of the world began to protest, only to be shoved in the direction of the exit, which was hastily becoming blocked by a great number of fellow pirates under Leonardo's campaign. He took the hint and sprinted past the rather sluggish fellows, awakening from their drunken stupor. And dashing out the door, he could only recall how valiant his father sounded.

"In the name of Port Kiris, I will strike you down and fight in the name of peace! In the name of my son! In the name of Laeron!"

And squeezing his eyes shut, there would be no prevention of the tears that followed as he scampered through the cobblestone pathways, like a wounded animal.

xxx

"Twice, milady?" Seth asked as he looked over to his princess. She was brushing Zeto down, who seemed much obliged to have someone paying attention to him.

Ephraim's sister blushed as she peered to her companion. "…That was not my fault. It was yours, because you chose to instigate it." Then she offered him a rather bright smile, "Though I must admit, I rather enjoyed it."

It seemed she would not consider the idea that she would need to stop being so endearing. Otherwise, he would be forced to place his lips against hers for an eternity. Innes and Ephraim would most likely be displeased, but then… Eirika had offered him permission. He shook his head at her, "I did as well. You believe, however, it is time we moved on?"

"Mhm," she commented nonchalantly. "You see…" Eirika began as she opened one of the bags handing from Zeto's rear. She waved the letter from her brother back and forth, "My darling brother wrote me. He said Prince Innes found out about my trip here, because… I guess Tana said something. He also said that if we were done up here, we should go down to Carcino and take care of things there. Then… I guess we'll be going into Grado at his request. So… Yes. To avoid Prince Innes, I think we should probably leave today, and the sooner, the better."

Laeron continued fleeing, past an innocent passerby and his companions, obstacles for the pirates chasing after him and gaining speed. Into the clearing of the outskirts of the port, his eyes found Eirika standing with her horse who easily became spooked, snapped the reins from his lady, and began to canter about nervously. Seth showed behind her, reaching for the sword within his scabbard and when Laeron dashed between his legs, the Silver Knight nearly tripped.

"L-lady! Help!" seemed to be the only thing Laeron could clearly say in his tears. His father was back there, still fighting for a brighter future, and his son was being selfish, not wanting his father to be fighting at all.

The princess of Renais inclined her head to the young boy who was burying his face into the skirts of her gown. He looked so thin and sickly and she wondered if all of the inhabitants of the town looked this way. She faintly caught Seth trying to calm the two horses. After a few moments, they stood their ground and offered a great neigh in disapproval. Then she found her arms encircling the young boy protectively. She had such a very soft spot for children that the idea something was pursuing him made her nearly snarl with fervor. It was unladylike, however, and she knew better.

When Leonardo and his pirates arrived on the scene, Seth took his place at the front lines and withdrew a fine blade of impeccable silver. The hilt was broad, proper for his arm strength, and yet enough of a weight difference, so he might be able to use it two-handed, if necessary. The blade, itself, however, was not so long enough that he was forced to do this. Taking on the stance that Eirika was so accustomed to seeing, he brought the tip out to the axe-wielding opposition.

"Hand over that boy," Leonardo commanded with a regal nature adorning his tone.

Her expression hardened as she looked over the leader and the rest of his band. "What has he done? Even a child guilty of murder should be given a second chance." She was using her best diplomatic voice, but it didn't seem to be doing any good.

There was silence. It lasted for a few moments before Eirika realized she was being closely analysed. She began to redden when Seth readjusted his position, to remind the others what they were up against. The Silver Knight was undefeatable in this position and he was well aware of it. "What has the boy done?"

Leonardo placed aside the idea of Mektar's son and for a few moments longer stared at the teal-haired female. She was beautiful, wasn't she? Renais had not been teasing when they spoke with great pride of their princess. Well… With the war over, she was the queen now, wasn't she? But she was not married. Right. It was her brother who was crossing that threshold. She was still simply a lady of the kingdom. That did not, however, change how she fit into his plans. Her and that…

He looked over to Seth, a smidge annoyed that the knight was taller. It was quite easy to tell from the armour upon his horse that he was more than simply a knight. Yes, he had been called the general of Renais' military, however… There was so much more to this man. Leonardo could see the intensity within his eyes. It was cold, though, and void of life. This man, this opponent had a secret.

Once more, he turned his attention onto Eirika, and then to the boy she was holding to her. Any higher and he would be in her bosom. Not a bad place to be, Leonardo imagined. Then he offered to her a grin, an eerie one, and did not even attempt to hide the creepy nature behind it. A step was taken forward and Seth hastily reset his blade, silently warning the pirate. The curiosity bore into him, the way a child wondered why the sky was blue, or why clouds were white. If he truly stepped all the way, would the princess' knight slit his throat without second thoughts? Or was this all simply an act?

He chose not to press his fortune. After all, his guests from Renais had been more than impeccable as guests.

"Princess of Renais," he began in a rather throaty voice. His grin grew, and she could see the cracks in his lips, the results of the humid air and the lack of proper hygiene. "Eirika, isn't it?"

"You will address her as Lady Eirika at the very least," Seth warned with that neutral tone. One step and this man was toast. At least, that was how he figured it in his head.

Eirika looked between the two and held Laeron to her skirts carefully. "…… Seth," she spoke gently. After all, she was on a mission for peace. Pacifism. If her retainer killed a man, and in front of a child nonetheless… She didn't want to be responsible for those actions. Lifting her left hand, she gestured to the auburn-haired companion at her side. "Stand down. Remember why we came here in the first place and consider the situation."

My lady… It is a noble idea to protect a child from the horrors of death, but it may be possible that you are simply prolonging the inevitable.

Seth eyed her closely for a few moments and then nodded, sheathing his sword cleanly into his scabbard. Leonardo found this a reasonable turn of events and in return, he signaled to the crew following behind him and in a rather loud racket, they sheathed their weaponry as well.

"I am Eirika, Princess of the Kingdom of Renais. I came here, Sir, to speak with you in regards to a request," she explained calmly, as her fingertips pulled through Laeron's medium-length chestnut brown hair.

Leonardo watched her carefully. Ah, right. She had and he'd turned her away, forcing her to speak with one of his representatives instead. "I know. Tell me, would you like to see something?" He received no colloquial response or any other type from either. Taking this as an affirmative, he withdrew a dripping satchel and taking by scraggly black hair a head from the bag.

Laeron's attention turned to the invitation and as he turned, Eirika's expression darkened greatly and she hastily placed her hands over Laeron's eyes. "…Why…? Why would you dare show that in front of a child?! Children are the future of these lands! We would do well not to humiliate them! Not to traumatize them!" Her tone could no longer hide her disapproval.

So she liked children, did she? Well, she could simply keep the one she was holding onto. After all, his father had fallen, and if he wanted proof, well… Leonardo was holding it where everyone could see it.

"Perhaps." Then he slipped the head away and handed the satchel off to the pirate on his right. Resting his eyes upon Eirika once more, he nodded sharply. "I have recently decided that I will consider your option. You have done little to disturb the town and its people. For that, you must be commended."

Or… we could simply be idiotic. I should have known that something of this nature would happen. Or perhaps I knew…and I was simply distracted by my lady…

Seth silently chided himself as he listened in on the conversation, standing aside stiffly, feeling nearly detached from the situation, and the world as a whole. Most likely he and Eirika would be discussing this along their journey to Carcino. He was not, however, certain he wanted to be present for the topic. Speaking with her was most often a joy, even on tender subjects, but when it came to his protection of her, and his ability to detect most traps, he had a difficult time accepting faults of his own.

The princess could sense her retainer's lack of comfort. She nodded once to Leonardo. "And…?" she coaxed him to continue.

"I will ask you for something later. Should you not accept, you'll find your precious kingdom filled with many more children like the one you've been blessed with," he grinned again, thoroughly enjoying this moment. Then he gestured to the band behind him and they scattered, back in the direction of the monument he had claimed in the centre of the town. "Understand me, Princess?"

Eirika grit her teeth angrily and she spoke firmly, "…Flawlessly."

When he turned to leave, she looked over to Seth who hastily approached her and began to check both her and Laeron for injuries of any kind. Aside from smaller abrasions upon the young boy, it seemed everyone had managed to progress unscathed.

Even with the anti-hero a speck in the distance, she was hesitant as she called Zeto over to her. Then she quietly coerced Laeron to place a foot into the stirrup and she helped him up. Seth, with a curious expression, helped her without question, steadying the child upon her horse.

"Your highness, what will we be doing with him?" he indicated the tear-stained face of a sorrowful boy.

How to put this? She couldn't leave him there and this she knew. And in that moment, that seemed to be the only thing she could say. She had a terrible feeling and the very last thing she wanted to do was to leave this potential young man in the hands of someone who would torment him and most likely kill him.

"What else?" she asked, as though it were the most common sense in the world. "…We're… going to take him with us…"