Title: Kindness
Theme: #84; Stand By Me
Game: Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword
Characters/Pairings: Nils, Serra

Had it really only been a few days ago that Nils was paralyzed with grief? It hardly seemed like it; as soon as they'd begun to approach the gate he'd come running to help them. But Serra had a feeling a lot of it was forced. He hadn't said a word to anyone other than Lord Eliwood and company, and he was standing off by himself while the others marched onward.

Someone at least had to make sure he didn't get himself hurt, and Serra was going to be that person. Hitching up the skirt of her robe just slightly, she ran to his side.

"Nils!"

He turned around, clearly surprised to see her.

"Lady Serra?"

"Nils, are you all right?" Serra asked. "Don't overwork yourself out there, okay?"

"I'm fine, Lady Serra, please don't worry yourself about me. Go back to your comrades," Nils said.

"They'll be fine. They can defend themselves if they get attacked, you can't," Serra said. "Meanwhile, you seem to be standing apart from Lord Hector and everyone else you went off with."

"Ah...I was having a bit of trouble catching up with them, I suppose," Nils said. "I must be growing tired..."

"The sun has barely started to go down, though," Serra said.

"Forgive me." Nils looked down. "I should not be tired so easily at a time like this, should I?"

"Well, we are in need of your skills," Serra said. "And you did say you would do your best, not just your part but Ninian's as well."

"I know..." Nils said quietly.

Serra placed a hand on his shoulder, and he slowly brought his gaze to meet hers. His pale, delicate features were etched with sorrow and his eyes were indeed tired. Poor kid...he's still not over what happened to his sister and he's trying so hard anyway! She wrapped her arm around his shoulders, drawing him closer.

"You stay near me, all right?" she said. Nils blinked.

"Lady Serra? But...won't I slow you down?" he asked.

"My work is here in the backguard anyway," Serra said. "So you just stand back and relax, and I'll protect you."

"You will...? Really?" Nils looked a little wary. "For a price, right?"

Serra sighed.

"My reputation follows me everywhere, doesn't it?" she laughed. Nils blushed guiltily.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you!"

"No, it's okay. I probably deserved that." Serra laughed. "But no, you owe me nothing other than not working yourself too hard. I don't wanna see anything else bad happen to you, you're a good kid."

For the first time since the death of his sister, Nils smiled.

"Then I won't leave your side, Lady Serra!" he said. "Thank you!"

Serra could've melted at seeing his smile. No, thank you, she thought. For making me remember why I wanted to be a sister in the first place.

"So, let's go, then!" she said, taking his hand.

"Right!"