Chapter 14) Thunderclouds

The days after learning of Isaach's fall are quiet. No one feels much up for celebration, and there is an emphasis on making sure Ayra and Shanan are well. I fret over Chulainn before we go to bed at night, since he wants to keep who he was secret from all, even his childhood friend. He hates how much he's changed; I respect his wishes.

As we do this, though, the rumors whisper on and on. While the people of Augustria love us, they do feel as if we are staying too long. Sigurd reassures them and tells them that he is writing to urge King Azmur to let us withdraw. Unfortunately, though, the process is too slow for King Chagall, as the rumors hint that he's overtaxing to pay for mercenaries.

It's the year 759, Grann Calendar. This is the year where everything began falling apart.

I stirred awake to the feeling of a hand running through my hair, and I opened my eyes to see Chulainn not quite paying attention. He just ran his fingers through my hair again and again, eyes distant. He'd had another nightmare; he'd been having more of them lately. I thought about what I could do to jolt him out of it, and decided to be a bit mischievous. I leaned up a little and gently kissed him on the neck, right under the jaw. He hissed a bit, startled, and I laughed, unable to help it. I kept on laughing even as he shifted to lean over me, pinning me to the bed, and reached up to cup his face.

"I would've thought you'd be tired after earlier," he whispered. His voice was still a bit raspy and he leaned down to nuzzle my cheek. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit sore and tired, but I'm fine." I laughed as he moved to kiss my neck, right on some of the love bites he'd no doubt left. "And you?"

"A bit of the same, I suppose." His kissed moved a little lower. "Though…"

"Are you certain you're not trying to distract yourself?" I wrapped my arms around him, and felt my face turn a little pink when I noticed the scratches on his back. "You looked worried."

"Just a bit of a nightmare." He sighed and shifted to rest against me, his cheek against my chest. "And a bad feeling."

"Is that so?" I kissed the top of his head. "What sort of bad-?" A loud clang stopped the word shut, and both of us shot up as we realized what it was. It was the alarm bells. "Oh no."

Both of us were barely out of the bed when the door burst open and two people wearing leather armor and cloth-like-masks over their faces ran in with weapons. An arrow flew, clipping my cheek and shattering the window behind me. I went to get Chulainn's sword, but he simply punched them, throwing one out the window and actually breaking the neck of the second. He then headed for the door, but I stopped him with a hand on his arm and smiled sheepishly when he glanced at me.

"We… might want to get dressed," I pointed out. "I've little intention of healing the injured without even undergarments, and I'd rather you not fight like that either."

"Fighting naked isn't that big of a deal," he replied. He smiled slightly at my incredulous look. "Yes, I've done it. A few times, actually."

"Yes, well, I'd rather keep you to myself, thank you." I scowled as his smiled grew. "Clothes on, mister."

"Yes, yes."

Both of us got dressed quickly, and I snagged a staff and his sword before we headed out into the hallway. Already, it was chaos, but thankfully, there was some control to said chaos. I was able to make my way into the infirmary with ease, and it wasn't long before I was tending to the injured and listening to the sounds of battle get further and further away. In fact, it wasn't long before they faded entirely, and Sigurd actually fetched me for a little meeting.

"It seems like it was just an initial assault, but scouts report that there are more forces in Madino," Sigurd explained as we walked down the hall. He was wearing a bloody robe that did little to actually cover him and sleeping pants. "How are the injured?"

"Nothing too bad, though I'm sure that I'll get an unexpectedly near-fatal injury before long," I replied with a little shrug. "Your guards were on top of things."

"Yes. But ah…" He frowned worriedly. "Um… did you get hit on your neck?" Sigurd pointed to his for emphasis. "There's… some bruising?"

"...I assure you that I am just fine." I knew my face was red as I tried to bring up my collar and hide it. I'd have to have a talk with him about leaving love bites where others could see. This was far too embarrassing. "R-Regardless…"

"Oh, wait, those are-"

"Finish the sentence, Sigurd, and I'll hit you in the head."

"Are you two going to wed before babies or-?" He laughed as I whacked him on the back. "Azel's going to freak!"

"I'm so pleased you're amused!"

"I hope our kids get along."

"I'm not pregnant! I'm a healer! I know contraceptives!" I groaned as he continued laughing. "Now, granted, these Augustrian ones are odd compared to what I know, but regardless, stop laughing. You're supposed to be serious! We were just ambushed!"

"I'm allowed to tease! I teased the living hell out of Ethlyn and Quan too, actually."

"You're impossible." I sighed and then noticed something ahead. Lex and Ayra were chatting in an alcove. "Look." I poked his side and pointed, and the two of us immediately ducked behind a nearby corner to continue watching. Sadly, it wasn't quite close enough to actually overhear anything, but we did see Ayra looking annoyed until Lex very casually tossed her a sword before walking off, laughing at something.

"That's a Brave Sword," Sigurd commented. He grinned. "So that's what Lex was hunting for."

"I think we should very casually talk to them," I replied. I grinned back. "I'll take Ayra."

"I'll take Lex."

It did take a little bit to 'casually' just appear next to Ayra and convince her to head to the war meeting with me, mostly to wait for Sigurd to 'conveniently not see' Ayra and catch up to Lex. It was worth her squeak, though. It was well worth the squeak.

The attack on Agusty Castle, though, was only the beginning. With even more forces, Sigurd was forced to march against King Chagall once again. We had the hope that Eldigan might be able to talk sense into things, but I quietly knew that the chances were slim. With us occupied in the north, there was no one who could protect Noldion, surrounded by territories that could've also hired mercenaries to replace the forces they'd lost. Noldion was effectively hostage, and so, Eldigan would serve. But I didn't say that. Not when Sigurd and Quan were so hopeful they could figure out a way.

"Do be careful, little brother," I whispered, hugging Azel tightly. While most of the army was marching on Madino, I would remain behind with Deirdre to maintain a stable infirmary. "Tease Lex for me."

"You know it!" Azel laughed, hugging me back. He smiled as I studied him, noting how he had gotten a little taller, though he was still lanky. "Be careful as well, Lady Sister. There's only going to be a defensive line here."

"This is why you must work quickly and then come back." I ruffled his hair and he made a face. "I love you dearly, Azel. I'll see you soon."

"See you soon." He gave me another hug and ran off into the crowd, towards where Chulainn waited. Both he and Chulainn waved before turning away, and I smiled warmly at them both. Chulainn and I had already said our own goodbyes in the privacy of our room, so there was no real point in doing it a second time. I knew I'd see them both before long.

So, instead, I meandered through the crowd, and looked for others I wanted to say goodbye to. I caught sight of Lord Quan and Oifeye saddling up their horses, and chose to mere smile and wave at them from afar because of how busy they looked. They both waved back and made no move to come closer, instead staying right where they were. Oifeye did waver a bit, but just gave me an extra warm smile. Whatever Lord Quan was teaching him, it outweighed his desire for another hug, or perhaps he was simply trying to be an adult. He was almost sixteen now, after all.

Giggling, I moved into the crowd and soon came across Erinys, standing apart from the others to check her pegasus's wings. To my surprise, Lewyn was actually with her, tucked under a wing. "Argh, I was sure there was something here," he grumbled as I approached. "The wind's all worried about something."

"And why did you think that something had anything to do with me?" Erinys asked. She had a slight smile on her face, though there was some pain and sadness in it. I took it to mean they still had a lot to talk about. But I hoped they were taking those steps. "It could be anything."

"Because it's really worried, and… the wind… likes you."

"Well, I'm glad it does. But the fact remains that my pegasus is just fine." She laughed a little, and Lewyn looked up to smile wryly at her. "Worrywart."

"Someone has to be, particularly when the wind…" He trailed off and closed his eyes, tilting his head slightly. The wind stirred around him, lifting his scarf and hair like a playful child. Then it swirled away, catching my hair too. "Ah, Alicia!" He turned to smile at me, and winked. "What brings our precious flower of Vala here?"

"I'll remember that description when I'm scolding you for not taking medicine," I replied, laughing a little. I walked a little closer and smiled. "I'm simply wandering and checking on people before you leave."

"That's right; you're staying behind," Erinys murmured. She frowned worriedly. "Are there enough soldiers? Last time you remained behind, you were ambushed, yes?"

"That was towards the end of the campaign, when the enemy was desperate. Agusty is supposed to be quite defensible, and we have more than enough to man the walls, or so I have been reassured. Don't forget; Seliph and Shanan are staying here."

"Right, of course." She smiled sweetly then. "Be careful anyway?"

"I'll do my best. I'm not the one marching off to battle, though." I crossed my arms and gave them a playfully stern look. "You be careful as well. I would rather greet you with hugs than bandages."

"Of course."

"Can we be cheeky and get hugs now too?" Lewyn asked. He came over to my side but waited for my laugh and nod before giving me the hug. "We'll be extra careful. The wind really is bothered by something."

"We promise," Erinys added. She joined in on the hug, smiling warmly. "We'll be back before you know it!"

"Safe travels," I whispered. I waited for them to pull away before stepping back and smiling. "I'll see you soon."

I turned away then, pausing only to pet Erinys's pegasus before returning to the crowd. Laughter caught my ear, and I slowly made my way towards it, smiling as I noticed Sylvia dancing in the crowd, cheering up some soldiers. I was surprised she was heading out with them, but Sylvia's Dancer's Gift was valuable for quick operations like this, and so, she was asked to come along. She jumped on it, and I knew it was because she loved being praised. Still, she'd gotten a lot of medicines to take along, just in case, and even from where I was, I could see her pack filled with them.

Still, she caught my eye mid-twirl and blew me a kiss. I laughed and waved before leaving her be. Not far away, I saw Finn and Lachesis chatting with each other, with Finn showing her something. I thought it might be a way to draw her sword a little faster, but that was only speculation based on how he kept pointing to her belt. I watched them for a bit before deciding to leave them be when, to my surprise, Lachesis actually kissed Finn on the cheek, right by the mouth, before grinning and running off. Finn's face went bright-bright red, and I couldn't help but laugh. He whirled at the sound and went even redder before ducking over to the other side of his horse to hide.

"My, my, so that's what she was plotting." Ayra walked up then, crossing her arms and looking rather amused. "She was supposed to actually do some morning chores, but begged to switch with me," she explained, laughing softly. Her new sword all but glittered on her hip. "She must've been planning on doing that, since the mounted will ride far ahead."

"What are the foot soldiers going to do?" I asked, curious. I smiled when Finn cautiously peeked out behind his horse and ducked back. "Normally, he'd just send out the cavalry."

"Yeah, but we're to go check the villages. There's rumors of some pirates changing their tactics recently and attacking innocent villagers."

"Who do they normally attack?"

"Wealthy ships, of course." She grinned, and I laughed, even though it probably shouldn't be amusing. "And hey, don't worry. I'll watch Chulainn and Azel for you. Promise."

"Thank you, but be certain to watch yourself as well." I grinned. "Talk to Lex too, won't you?"

"I… er…" She coughed, face going red. "I-I'm going to head to my group!"

She rushed off, actually knocking a few people off their feet, and I laughed and laughed as I walked through the crowd a bit more, hitting the center of the group. I caught Ethlyn's eye, checking on her staves, and pointed to Ayra, red all the way to the tips of her ears. She winked and grinned before chasing after Ayra, likely to reassure and tease. I managed to stifle my laughter, and looked actually for Aideen and Midir, knowing Aideen would be close to Ethlyn. I found the two, however, cuddling in the shadow of his horse, smiling in contentment. So, instead of interrupting them, I simply moved on to where I saw Sigurd and Deirdre, with little Shanan standing nearby.

"Oh, I know!" Sigurd was saying, laughing a little. His cheer seemed to do nothing to soothe Deirdre, based on her worried expression. "Shanan, why don't you guard Deirdre and Seliph for me? To make her feel better, I mean."

"Sure I can do that!" Shanan replied brightly. His eyes lit up and he tugged on Deirdre's skirt. "It'll be okay! Promise!"

"Well, with so many protectors, it definitely will," Deirdre murmured. She still didn't look convinced, but sighed and managed a smile. It was small and fragile, though. "Never mind me. I'm sure it's just lingering anxiety from the Warning."

"What warning?" Shanan frowned before shrugging. "Whatever. We'll stop whatever it is!"

"...We will, yes?"

"Yes, I promise," Sigurd whispered. He leaned in to kiss her softly. "I'll see you and Seliph again before long, and we'll go on a picnic, just the three of us." That finally made Deirdre's smile warm into her 'real' one. "Ah, Alicia!" Sigurd stepped away and waved to me. "We'll try not to give you too much work."

"You can give me all the work in the world so long as you come back," I retorted with a little shrug. "It had better be soon. If you make Deirdre or Seliph cry, I shall be most vexed." I smiled and gave him a hug. "Go on."

"Alright." He gave me a smile, ruffled Shanan's hair, and kissed Deirdre again, whispering 'I love you' in her ear to make her blush. "We're off!" He turned away, and everyone cheered and marched down the path.

Deirdre seized my hand tightly, and I squeezed it reassuringly when I noticed her worried look had not only returned, but she was close to tears. "I'm sorry," she whispered to me. "I just… I'm so afraid this…"

"It'll be okay," I replied softly. I released her hand to hug her instead, letting her hide her face in my shoulder. "Come on. Let's take a walk through the gardens."

"Okay." Her voice wavered. "Ah, why am I so scared? It's been just fine… everything will be fine…"

"That's right. You're just nervous."

It took quite a few words of reassurance and even more distractions before Deirdre finally calmed down. The two of us ended up sharing a room that night, though, as a 'slumber party' thing. She kept having nightmares.

"And that is how you change a diaper, Shanan," I laughed, tossing the soiled diaper into the trash and washed my hands. Shanan groaned and made a face. "Do you need a bath?"

"He peed on me!" Shanan complained. He gave Seliph a dirty look, but it was dampened both by how pink his face was and by Seliph's beautiful smile. "And he has the nerve to smile!"

"He loves you."

"That's why he peed on me?!"

"No, that's why he smiles." I laughed and picked up Seliph, giving him to Shanan. "Hold him while I handle clean up."

"Fiiine." He huffed, but he softened as Seliph gurgled and smiled. "Is he supposed to be so squishy?"

"Baby fat is a healthy thing, Shanan." I began wiping down the changing area, humming a little. "Babies have a lot of growing to do, and so, they need energy. It's stored up in there, or so I was always taught."

"Oh, okay." Shanan giggled, and I glanced back to see him cuddling Seliph. "Why does he have to be so cute when he's so messy?"

"So that you grow attach, of course." I dropped the soiled towel with the diaper. "Now, then…" I turned to Shanan with a smile. "You think you can do that next time?"

"Um… maybe with supervision." Shanan made another face. "For now. Bath."

"Will you give Seliph one too?"

"Yeah!" He grinned and walked off, talking to some servants to get set up. I laughed softly and passed the soiled things to others for immediate washing, before washing my own hands again and going to Deirdre's 'study' to check in on her. With Sigurd off to battle, running the castle had fallen on her shoulders. It gave us a greater appreciation for what all Sigurd did, though to be fair, Sigurd had Quan helping him, and actual training for this.

"We might be able to turn diaper duty over to Shanan within a week or so," I announced, walking in. Deirdre looked up from some papers with a wan smile. "I know. You want to do it. We should make Sigurd change a diaper when he returns."

"A smelly one," she muttered. Still, her smile warmed and she sat back in the chair, rotating her wrists. "Ah, so much…"

"Think of it as good practice." I stepped behind her and started braiding her hair. "I assure you; I washed my hands."

"Of course you did. You always do." She tilted her head back to look at me. "Which reminds. I'm giving you your birthday gift early. I found a bunch of really nice lotions for your hands while doing a market inspection this morning."

"That sounds lovely." I finished braiding her hair and pulled a purple ribbon from my pocket to tie it off. "Let that be a substitute until I can get you a proper 'early birthday gift'."

"Where did you get that?"

"I got it as a gift, but I don't like purple on me." A low rumble startled both of us, and I went to the window and noticed something else. "Wow, that's some storm rolling in." The sky was a deep grey-purple.

"Oh, ick… I hope the others are okay." Deirdre stood up and walked over too, frowning. "It's coming from the north, where Madino is. They're likely getting slammed."

"I'm sure they'll be fine." I nudged her and smiled. "But look at you, predicting weather."

"It's just watching which direction the clouds are coming from." She made a face, but laugh. "However, I do think that's a perfect excuse to make some tea, or some hot chocolate."

"Do we have chocolate?"

"We have a lot. Chagall apparently imported quite a bit." She giggled. "I want to see Shanan's face when he has some. Do you think I can give some to Seliph too?"

"Seliph is still a bit too young for something like that."

"True. I'll just have to wait for that. But let's get everything storm-ready and have that hot chocolate!"

"Okay." I laughed at her enthusiasm and made to follow her out of the room. I paused, though, and looked back at the storm, frowning deeply. Sudden bad storms… weren't all that common for this time of year.

I had… a very bad feeling. I hoped… everyone was okay…

Records on Ayra:

Swordsman of Isaach, Princess of Isaach, Odo Minor, 17 years old

The lone princess of Isaach, known for her kindness and her sharp temper. Protective of those she loves.

Her Holy Mark is on her left shoulder, wrapping a bit across her chest.

A skilled fighter and capable of using the unique Sword Skill 'Astra', allowing her to hit up to five times with one swing. Her fighting prowess will only increase thanks to Lex's gift.

Author's note: Welcome to Game-Chapter 3, where the game decides to stop being nice, plot wise. Claude and Tailtiu are recruited towards the end of this chapter, but they do make a cameo shortly after Sigurd captures Madino, the first Castle in the game. Either Lex or Chulainn can talk to Ayra this Chapter (providing that Ayra and Lex/Chulainn don't have a lover already) and get a hefty love point boost as well as giving her the Brave Sword.

Next Chapter - Screams