(Third Person) P.O.V
In this world, the destiny of mankind is controlled by some transcendental entity... or law?
Is it like the hand of God hovering over above?
Atleast, is it true that man has no control, even over his own will?
It's when at that moment, man takes up the sword in order to shield the small world in his heart, sustained in a far-off time beyond remembrance.
Man wields the sword so that he may die smiling in some far-off time beyond perception.
But can fate be subdued to change?
~~~~~~~~~
Liana's P.O.V (3 1/2 yrs later)
I was currently riding throughout the long battlefields with my men. The sound of my horse's hooves pressing wildly against the ground below as I felt my hair stick to my cheek in the sweat my body offered under the heat of the sun. My hands were gripped fiercely to the reins of my horse as I charged on.
According to the plan, we were headed to a position where I will then be given a signal to follow out my orders. It was currently Midland, the kingdom who sought to hire us as aid beside them, versus Tudor.
Earthquakes of cannons went off, firing to Midlands soldiers as I stopped upon the green hill overlooking the field before us as me and my own men were scheduled to arrive at this time.
"Everyone stay put. No one move a single inch unless I say so." I commanded as my men nodded in agreement behind me.
"Yes ma'am!" Was their almost unison reply as I swallowed any contents in my mouth to slick my dry throat up to the harsh sight that is war.
The sun gleamed down on my men's shined silver armor as I focused on the battle field ahead of us, ignoring the glares of light that bounced to my eye from their armored plates. I steadied my horse as I looked throughout the sights of battle below from where we remained, the sounds of the valiant screams and cries echoed into one cohesive mess of words as I watched from a good distance away. My men settled their horses down in the lowest dip this hill offered to keep hidden as one of them ventured slightly higher to be upon the crest where I stood to watch on my horse.
"This war had gone on for one hundred years, can you believe it captain?"
My underling, Lou, spoke next to me as I looked to the flat plains of the men fighting. He pulled up more beside me upon his horse as I was too focused with the idea of my task than to possibly try to answer.
Griffith ordered me to stay put until he rides back, but he hasn't even charged forward yet. He's waiting until the King gives orders that he can attack only once the throned man himself feels that his troops have no other choice than to let us aid them. Once Griffith goes to attack and help fend off Tudor, he will then ride back and only then will it be my men's turn to run into the battle with me leading. Guts and his men will do the same, flanking the enemy on the opposite side though as we ride in.
My brown-green eyes stared to the Black Ram calvary of Tudor, their men charging fast towards the field to ride to further attack Midland's knights, their lances aimed forward to the poor men with their decorated shields up. Midland's men looked to be still unprepared and taken off guard to the strategy and strength that is Tudor's cavalry could offer in this repeat with this Hundred Years War between these two opposing sides.
"Midland is getting destroyed." One of my men pointed out, having moved his horse slightly to see as well as I looked away to the sight of the slaughter. The lance's of the Black Ram's edged tips going through the necks or piercing the armored chests of the Midland Knights was terrible to see.
The Midland Knights, as I also came to notice, were armored far too heavily. They probably believed if they covered themself so much as so, then Tudor's weapons wouldn't penetrate their armor so easily.
They were wrong.
They could barely swing their sword in the looks of it, rushing in on horseback or on foot in any how with their heavy armor to go along with their massive shields seemed to be the mistake made.
Plus, it was a hot day.
I'm already sweating just standing here and to charge in on foot in a metallic suit of armor? As heavy clouds would signify rain, this outcome to their efforts was plain to see who would end up on top.
"So we wait?" Lou asked as I then replied with a nod, staring to the battlefield before me with eyes focused intently to see any different types of movement now. I studied the Black Ram knight's moves, the way they swung their lances on horseback, or even to the way the men fought on the ground against Midland were things to look and watch for when going up against them next.
Most of then men on horseback had light armor, while some bigger men on foot had heavy charcoal armor to wear but also heavy weapons to use like a ball and chain or giant axe to swing.
I would not like to be on the recieving end of that thing.
Midland's knights were getting slaughtered bit by agonizing bit, but I trust we will be fine in pushing them back once we are called upon.
Griffith's plan never fails.
"We wait until Griffith charges in, once he does whatever he needs to do he'll pull back and us and Captain Guts' men will-"
My eyes followed to the side to see a lone Hawk troop on horseback, my eyes widening to the random scene of one of our men charging forth to their death as Lou then turned his attention as well to see what I was shocked upon.
"What-" he muttered lowly.
Wait.
"-Is that Guts?" My eyes narrowed, seeing his red cape flow in the wind much like my own ragged blue one as I kept my eyes on him as he charged forth.
"That is Captain Guts. But...what is he doing?" Lou's confused tone much represented my own as my eyes stared to the familiar brunette, his helmet on as he charged valiantly with his large great sword in hand. His armor reflected in the light of black streaks and intricately designed patterns as his cape hung loosely around his neck, the fabric thick to hand down in a loop over his chest as he readied his weapon.
"He... looks to be flanking them. Did he tell his men to stay back or what?" My brow twitched, thinking of the possibilities of why Guts would do this solo as I averted my eyes around to also see that none of his men followed.
This was no plan.
This was out of instinct, instinct and haste.
This idiot, why would he go there all alone? There's atleast fifty Ram soldiers out there to the position he is riding towards, with more just on the other side of the hills battling there as well!
~~~~~~~~~
(Third Person) P.O.V
"Nonsense! A single horseman against the Black Ram Iron Lance Heavy Cavalry?! SO BE IT! WE'LL BREAK YOU DOWN BOY!" The general of the cavalry shouted as he aimed his lance towards Guts, the gleam of his charcoal colored armor caught Guts' attention to focus to him entirely as the mercenary captain then grinned at the challenge he was seeking. Raising his heavy armored hand, he then flung off his helmet to better see his next victim as he started to charge towards the idle mercenary.
Guts then rode in fast, his crimson cape flowing behind him as he aimed his greatsword towards the general's upper body. The Midland knights all looked to the lone mercenary riding passed as the general tightened his grip to his lance's hilt, seeing the man beford him take up his unspoken offer of battle amidst the many men around them, they charged to one another, seeking to feel the adrenaline and blood only war could ever offer them.
Liana, getting out her bow at once, steadied herself on her horse as she then took out her arrow, aiming her sights towards the general's face as Guts charged onward. She closed one eye, her lips lightly parted to let small breaths escape as she steadied her hand well, projecting the angle in which to shoot at as well as how far she should pull back her bowstring.
"Captain, what do we do?" Lou spoke alarmed to seeing her ready her weapon as Liana aimed with one eye closed shut, her lone hazel eye focusing to the man on horseback approaching Guts. She focused her thoughts, aiming with precision as her next words came out in a slight breath barely audible for her underling to catch.
"Stay put." In the release of her words did she then let go of her arrow, her fingers extending outwards as the arrow then flew fast with speed and precision to aim down the sights passed any men on the field towards it target.
Guts at that moment swung forward as her arrow went forth to pierce one of the eyes of the general, his lance already being knocked off and back by Guts' first swing as the weapon flew elsewhere.
"ARGGHH!" His blood curdling scream echoed as Guts now sliced the man's hip upwards, then in one swift motion brought his sword down next to split his head in two. The horse's neighed to the panic of the sight of their riders as Guts then quickly slapped the reins away to ride anywhere else than to stan in one position idle and have an enemie's arrow come to him next.
The general's men to the sight before them were stricken, wide open mouths hung as they were left stunned as even the Midland knights were confused as to what to do now. Swords still stood in hand as the Black Ram knights started to back away, looking to each other for support in this moment as in a burst of a second, the Midland knights then ran forth to attack, a sudden new wave of courage found in their swings as Guts looked back to the scene upon horseback to slow it's paces down for a moment.
"At least they're attacking now instead of taking hits..." The dark haired male uttered to the scene as he then furrowed his brows a moment later.
The sight of another commander clad in all black heavy armor rode in on his horse, his voice echoing loud to shake the Ram troops back to reality as he grit his teeth.
"DON'T BREAK RANK! HE'S JUST ONE RIDER! SURROUND HIM! DON'T LET HIM MOVE!"
Liana's eyes remained set upon the other cavalry men riding around to follow the commander wherever he went as they made their way towards Guts quickly. Having already taken out his greatsword, Guts now made way to swing back and forth on horseback, cleaving through their armor like paper and blood as the men tried their hardest to approach him and not let him escape, even if Guts wasn't currently trying to.
"HE'S JUST ONE MAN! HOW IS HE STILL ALIVE?! SHOOT HIM!" The commander shouted as Liana then made the decision to give away her and her unit's position by letting arrows fly.
Raising her hand to grasp with her fingers the necks of her arrow's each time, she then let five arrows fly continuously with both speed and strength unmatched with her bow. As the arrows came through fast to pierce the bodies of the crossbowmen, the commander, aghast to the scene, turned his attention quickly to see the archer on horseback upon the hill.
Her slightly longer light chestnut colored hair was pulled back into a low loose braid as her bow stood proudly in the light, strong and apparent to be the cause of the commander's oncoming headache. He then watched with slit eyes, the sight of the first women he's ever seen in a bloody battle then raise her hand behind towards her back to further take out another arrow to aim around the dog who took down their general.
A low emitted growl escaped the commanders throat, his teeth clenched hard as he looked back to see the other unknown soldier cleave down his men in violent swings with his sword. The sword stood mighty and tall, the thickness it provided as well as the weight would allow any man to cry when trying to lift and swing for battle. The sight of it was overwhelming just as it was the man wielding it with his archer to guard.
"Looks like we have found an odd pair present on our field boys. The biting mongrel and the little bird to guard and guide him from above. Three men, ride forth afte-"
"Commander! We have riders ahead!"
"What?!"
Looking slightly to the side, Liana then suddenly watched as Griffith appeared finally, his long white cape flowing behind him to present the royal purple hue flowing within the inner part as he raised his sword valiantly to then swing to the heads of the Ram knights in quick strong waves of his arm.
His white-silver armor distinctive in reflecting the light, brought about many heads to turn as his men who accompanied behind him all presented the hawk feather somewhere on their armor to hold in place.
The Ram knight's eyes looked to the white armored male, his back being followed by his men with stern faces, weapons ready and aimed as some watched in fright to this sudden attack, unknowing what course of action to take next.
"I-IT'S THE GRIM REAPERS OF THE BATTLE FIELD!"
"The...the Band of the Hawk?!"
Griffith rode in fast as he and his men now made way to open a path for them to travel, any pursuers shot and anyone in their way sliced or stabbed as they soon approached Guts on horseback who had already made way to solve his entrapment by swinging his sword violently.
"TAKE THIS BASTARDS!" Griffith's mercenaries sliced, swinging their swords to the Ram knights' chest or vital spots in war cries and insults as they made way to cover their lead captain as he approached Guts.
There was only some moments to prepare as Liana placed her bow aside to then draw her blade.
"Everyone, get your weapons ready, it looks like Griffith will retreat back with Guts soon!" Liana ordered as the ring of their swords sliding against their sheaths were heard at once.
"Yes ma'am!"
A few moments into the attack, more than half the men of the Ram's knights have been decreased as Griffith now rode passed with Guts following along. Liana watched intricately, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she spotted even Judeau, Casca, Pippin and Rickert within the band's men to cover one another and also attack.
Judeau having been accustomed to training in throwing knives on horseback, stood to fling his daggers here or there to the unsuspecting throats or less armored limbs or chests of the Black Ram knights.
Casca, having been right beside Griffith this whole venture, stood on her steed to follow their clad in white leader as they rode passed quickly. Her short sword jabbed to numerous men, her small cape flowing behind herself as she waved her weapon around to defend their ride across.
Seeing them make their way down, Liana watched as even Guts' men presumed to attack and follow their retreat behind, helping the Midland knights out immensely as before Griffith could now disappear beyond the clear hills of his retreat, he stopped his horse to then turn his head to look to the girl.
It was hard to see, a figment of white which was obviously her captain stood on the edge of the battle field, the sight of the band's mercenaries riding passed him where he stood idle on his horse looking back as he then raised a silver armored hand up.
It was that signal that Liana understood to charge to the Ram knights. Gripping the reins of her horse, she then pointed her sword straight to slap the reins quickly.
"Let's go! Move onwards now! Let's finish them while we can!" Liana yelled raising her silver sword as she watched as the Black Ram knights already resumed to retreat to another spot as is.
Immediately charging from the side of the enemy, Liana watched as the stray knights left to fight still the Midland knights stood to try and gain their victory back which was already far decided for when they stepped in. The swings of their swords or lance's on horseback or foot still made way to injure the Midland knights as she and her unit moved in to help the men out. With a lean of his body to the side and a swing of his sword, Lou connected his blade to the man's throat before he could finish off the Midland knight cowering on the floor to await the impact the black haired male saved him from.
All making way to fight and follow their female captain in this ride and slice type of strategy, Liana watched as the charcoal armored men now stood in a ratio of 1:3 with them aiding the Midland knights now and some retreating far back, having no idea what to do with their commander long gone.
"THEY'RE LOSING IN NUMBERS! KEEP ON!" She encouraged as her men fought back and forth, swinging their swords, or using their crossbows to charge against the Rams as slowly only a few were able to retreat on foot as most who had a horse had long gone left when their general fell.
Slicing the obsidian knight's throat, she then watched as Guts swung his sword to decapitate the knight before her. Her eyes looking to the familiar dark haired man as she then raced to him quickly on horseback.
"Griffith and you guys were not supposed to come back until our pass through the field completely-" she started, seeing Guts look around in the heap of the battle to see if any knights tried to attack them while in mid-conversation.
"I wanted to come back. Griffith is circling around slower to attack from the south now. Let's clean this up while we're here."
The Midland's army looked thankful to have the help of Griffith's men, their wide eyes astonished that just the hiring of these mercenaries can change the outcome of this whole battle as they watched with awe the Hawk's clean strike towards their opponents clear through without hesitation.
Liana slapped the reins, understanding the words of the next phase of the plan as she then suddenly raised her sword to deflect an attack from a Black Ram knight. The sword's clanked, the sound of the metal upon metal as she pressed her sword up to keep this man's sword from coming down on her.
"Kh-" her hand shook as the tall man forced his sword's weight on her, his sword being longer as she still stood on horseback to then see the valiant fast paces of another horse coming forth.
In an instant with the wave of his sword, Lou sliced the back of the neck of the man to oppose his captain as she let out a couple of pants before looking to her black haired underling.
"Ah-haah...thanks Lou. I didn't see that guy coming." The man fell to the ground in a bloody mess, having her eyes avert up to him he then flashed her a grin, blood staining his cheeks from the enemie's as he then gave her nod.
"I was just trying to give him a quick end, afraid of what you'd do to him once you did gain your grip."
Liana then let out a laugh to his compliment to her strength as she then look around, the sounds still apparent of the metal across metal were heard as she then readied herself fully.
"Hah, let's go!" She urged on as she then slapped the reins once more. The sight of the dead knights, both Midland but mostly now Black Ram laid in heaps to swords and weapons around with blood as she continued to ride onwards. "This is far from over!"
~~~~~~~~~
Liana's P.O.V
My chest heaved for air, the sight of my beautiful horse lay dead on the ground as I was flown to the dirt from the sudden attack I did not see coming. A Black Ram knight with a long axe stood before me as he then dragged his weapon on the ground to then pick it up.
I grit my teeth, completely upset at both him and myself for riding in too close to this foot soldier's way with his long and heavy weapon, practically made for these situations. I moved quickly, grabbing my sword from the ground as my bow was still to my back to stay surprisingly strapped. With the force at which I fell, I thought I had snapped it. I guess landing on my side was a good bet, may it be accidental or not.
Wrapping my gloved palm to hold the hilt, my unclothed fingers clenched the hold of my blade as I then watched as the black knight then gave his axe a giant raise to suddenly come down towards me. My eyes peered up, slightly wide as I quickly rolled to the side, my shoulder rolling quickly to the ground as I landed on my boots to then turn and see his back wide open. Raising my sword quickly, I violently jabbed forward, my blade piercing through the side of his lower back as I quickly pulled my black out with much force to then swing it to the back of his thighs, knocking him down the ground with a loud groan before I stepped back to the sight, blood staining my weapon as I panted to the exertion and quick thinking.
The knight now laid dead, his axe embedded into the dirt at which the force he tried to strike me with as blood began to pool from his wounds I made as I then tore my eyes away. The sight of Griffith and his men and having rode forth now probably while I was in my own private battle was present to my eyes as I then watched the familiar sight of black hair race to me.
Seeing Lou was quick to approach on horseback again, I watched as he held out his hand, his chopped but slightly wavy black hair bounced in the gallop of his horse as I quickly took his arm for him to hoist me up to land behind him on the saddle as he now rode forth.
Lou always had eyes on me and was never too far away to offer some kind of assistance.
"Fucking bastard, he killed my horse." I huffed, turning my head to look back to the sight of my beautiful horse laying upon the ground before I furrowed my brows to then look away.
"I'm sorry, but it looks like he got what he deserved. Sorry I couldn't make it to you sooner, I had two men try to come at me on foot. You should never attack someone who has the high ground, especially on horseback, heh~"
My memories were suddenly brought back to how Guts and I took on Griffith's raiders those many years ago in the fields after leaving that old castle raid. The sight of them on horseback and us still surviving being on foot was clear to my mind as I held my sword in my palm as we rode, it aimed downwards at an angle to cover Lou's right side as he snapped the reins again.
"Don't underestimate your opponents." Was all I said as I then suddenly turned my head to the sound of a Black Ram knight's words yelling straight through the clearing of this battle.
"R-RETREAT! EVERYONE RETREAT!"
I looked back, my hair lightly waving in the wind in strands to what was tied back in the loose braid as I watched as some stray obsidian colored knights who still held on to their flags just all dropped to start to leave for their lives.
It was about time they understood their losing position. Their commander left long ago along with most of their men on horseback who had fast ways of escape as well.
I am guessing with the arrival of Griffith and his man back, that they understood that they had no chance of reviving this loss they sustained today as well if they were in fact ordered to stay and fight. I would never have the pleasure of knowing or not.
I then turned my attention forward to where Lou was riding towards to see almost none of the charcoal colored knights around now. The sound of their retreat was clear as day to understand their departure as we let them go, decidedly in the moment to not pursue them completely as the sound of sudden valiant cries were heard around.
I raised my sword carefully to sheath it on my hip, sweat beading down my temple as the Midland knights were triumphantly cheering and taking off their heavy helmets to watch the black knights depart. Lou rode on, my eyes peering passed his shoulder to see him ride along side my unit who was now quick to see us and follow to where Griffith was now.
The sight of his long locks of milk colored hair fell to the sides of his shining silver-white armor with the off of his helmet. Not a chance his locks looked out of place being tucked away to hide nor was his bangs mismatched to wave anywhere but where they belonged but on the fair skin of his forehead. He did not look sweaty, not in the slightest even with his armor on, the only thing I noted was the soft smile present on his features for him to look to the band's own cheering crowd on horseback as his stark blue eyes would then dart in a pattern I noticed throughout the years being from Guts, to Casca and lastly to find me.
"Wow, we actually did it." Lou mumbled, his eyes peering around as his horse treaded lightly with me still sat behind him. With the raise of my hand, I unhooked my bow from my back to lean forward and reach to try and place it in the front of his horse towards the strappings. Seeing me try, he placed his hand down to grab my bow from me gently, a cross of, "I'll do it for you," escaped his lips as I watched as he hooked my bow to the side of his horse with ease I couldn't reach for.
"Thanks." I replied, feeling my dark blue cape begin to flow more fluently now as the sight of Casca being beside Griffith on horseback to smile and grin came to my view.
She looked to be genuinely happy, and throughout the years I only ever get to see her as so when we all have accomplished something that was ordered to. Still, it was nice to see her looking so gleeful. Her brown eyes were solely focused to the white haired male that is our lead captain as her pink colored lips curved upwards to reveal her smile in the daylight.
The men all continued to cheer around us, fists raised high in courageous cries as I looked to my shadow, interested in the black stretch of darkness upon the grass on horseback to Lou as we stopped our small pacing to come to a complete stand having been met up with the band now.
A sudden thought occured to me, seeing the sun stretch across the sky as the sight of blue and white above were always so familiar to see.
How many times have I looked up to the sky standing on different areas to pertaining battle field to field? The sky has not changed, I could understand, but have I?
"What's wrong captain? Did you get injured or something? Amer is just over there if you need him." Lou spoke suddenly, catching my attention again as the sudden cheers ringed in my ears once more to come back.
My eyes looked to him as he looked back to me on horseback, his body turned as I watched for a moment the sight of his sweat glide down his fair skinned face.
"Oh no no, I'm fine Lou, happy even." I smiled as he looked ecstatic at the win we had faced today, the soft upward curve of his lips were present as the sudden questionable thought of, who wouldn't be able to get happy when everyone around them was and with cheering so proudly- crossed me.
I watched as Griffith had turned on his white armored steed. He left for a moment as my eyes followed, seeing him approach the general to the Midland knights to speak for some pertaining moments as everyone else in the band chatted away, taking out their canteens to drink or taking off their helmets to breathe better.
In the next few moments of standing idly by, I slowly darted my eyes curiously back to Griffith having been a little further than where we were as he raised a lone hand that was the next signal to go ahead and depart with him. With the slight slap of the reins, Lou rode forth to follow the band as a sudden hand was plastered onto my shoulder abruptly.
I looked quickly beside me, seeing the other men to my unit ride around us as the one who rode closest to us then pulled his hand back, a grin plastered on his face.
"Great attack today captain, you were amazing with that bow on defending Captain Guts."
"I appreciate it." I replied with a smile, seeing my unit all ride around us lightly before the steps started to pick up to follow the band.
I remember when my unit started to grow, it being hard at first to gain their respect. It took maturity and growth around us all to understand we were all a apart of each other now. The immense physical training I had put them through and even myself to accompany them, morning runs and afternoon sparings, they all helped us learn and grow from one another. I was also teaching them on the meantime to respect me, whether that be with physical combat or mental training, I made sure I was no push over.
"Let's go." Lou voiced with another slap to the reins as we now started to pick up our pace to ride faster to depart throughout this bloodied field.
I watched the sight of the band, Griffith leading up ahead in this pack as the sounds of the horse's hooves and stray words were exchanged from one to another here or there. As we started to ride down the slight gradual green hill, I suddenly out of instinct darted my eyes to the side to see Guts staring to me. He rode across us, but just some ways away as some of the band members were still in between us on their horses. I looked, keeping my eyes firm to his own as he then quickly moved his eyes away before his whole body disappeared behind the many other men who rode in between my vision.
Looking back forward, I watched the sight of the far away mountains take away my thoughts as we continued onwards towards our base. My hand to Lou's side to still hold on slightly in case he were try and speed up which I know he would for a race, it would just be a matter of time to decide when and who he would challenge and for what cost on the winnings.
Making our way back to the castle's base some hour or so later, I stretched my limbs upwards as we made it to slowly cross the bridge with the river below us in a vast height. I looked up, my eyes staring to the caste's walls up ahead, may it be still crumbling and falling apart it is still our home and has been for the passed few years.
Guts has grown accustomed to his usual resting place atop the walls as I've come to notice. If he was gone, that was one of the places I checked to make sure where he would be.
My thoughts the whole ride back were consumed of the sudden years I never really noticed that passed since mine and Guts' joining.
Being currently now eighteen as Guts had always been a year older, I have come to realize how just different life has been for us in this changing of time. It seemed as if in the blink of an eye that we could relive those moments again of us first joining. Our stupid fights we would get into, our battles against each other for our enemy body counts, drinking games and hunting competitions, we really have changed and grown so much.
I don't remember now when was the last time I even got into a fight with Guts. It feels like it was ages ago when we used to wrestle and even spar. Now, I have my own unit to look after and train. We have new additions to our band, and even as young as they are or as old as they could get, they all provide help in our goal which is to bring Griffith's dream alive. To make it into a reality, that is our ultimate goal as well as seeking our own dreams in between.
I hear of so many other's goals, to own a shop, get married, have kids and a family, being the strongest warrior or becoming a knight. Hm, I never really considered my own and although I have tried to think about what I want, nothing comes to mind.
I already have what I need.
Battle after battle, conquer after conquer, I do understand that we have been slowly drawing attention to us all these years. Making heads turn to see the signature hawk feather adorned on our armor or helmets. The Midland Kingdom after all took a notice to us and made a bet to hire us as well, which is something to turn heads to.
The hawks are our family, always will be now. They have embedded themselves into our hearts, and to mine and even to Guts' slight dismay, we have embedded ourselves into them.
I looked as we approached the castle, the sound of the horse's hooves trampled no longer upon the bridge but upon the dirt road that would soon lead us up to the draw bridge and entrance to our base.
I noticed throughout this time that sometimes I start to long for those old days when it was just us, just two people travelling alongside one another, against the world but now, I have to realize it's no longer me and him, but us all.
Us together.
My eyes peered past Lou's shoulder to see the men all file in slight rows here or there to enter now towards the draw bridge. The castle's arches staying the same as I silently thanked the weather never getting too bad to crumble the still-standing stone around us.
Stretching my arms suddenly once again, I arched my back slightly, having almost fell asleep on Lou's shoulder the ride here, my neck and back still remained to be stiff. It does no good to be on a saddle for hours on end.
Arriving into the baily, Lou pulled the reins of the horse to finally come to a stop as most men around us all were settling back in or seeking medical attention for slight lacerations or injuries. I watched as Lou was the first to get off the horse, his boots finally landing upon the ground as his honey brown eyes peered up to me still on the saddle. Lifting my leg, I saw him offer his hand to help as I decided to take the offer, having felt that my body was stiff enough from the ride that I would appreciate the assistance.
Taking his gloved hand, I placed my left heel on the stirrups to then help myself come down to the ground as I then heard the sound of numerous cheers suddenly erupt of Guts' men.
"Captain Guts!"
"Captain!"
I turned my head, seeing the red caped male ride through slowly to enter passed the draw bridge and into the baily as Guts' unit all cheered just for the entrance of the man of the hour once again.
What wasn't he the man of the hour? He was the man every hour.
Kh, this attention better not get to his head.
"You were great sir! Riding out there all alone to take on the general! Haha, that's really when we knew we had them then!"
Guts smiled a bit, riding his horse throughout our men in the castle yard as the Hawk mercenaries crowded around him on his horse.
"That's our captain for ya!"
"We're having drinks tonight for sure!"
Guts touched his head apologetically, speaking as he then made way to dismantle his horse and get off. He had already discarded his helmet long ago to the baggage his horse held. Placing his hand on the neck of the beast gently to touch and pet, one of Guts' men then came forth to take the reins of him gently.
"I got it captain-"
I walked forth beside Lou, wanting to hear all of which would transgress as I watched the other mercenary take away Guts' horse suddenly. His hand taking the reins from his captain as he flashed a smile.
"Thank you, Gaston."
"No problem sir."
Having his horse be put up where all the others were kept within the stables, I watched curiously as Guts then turned to all of his men crowding around him to hear any words he would say.
"Ah...I'm sorry I rode out there by myself... I never intended to leave you all behind." Guts apologized to his unit as they dismissed his apology with a wave of their hands at once. "I just felt that the general was left wide open, and if he were taken down, their morale would be shattered."
"Nah don't worry about it, you were amazing Guts!"
"Ha, now we get to brag about this to all the other units!" A man patted Guts' arm softly, looking proud to be lead by him as Guts in return casted his eyes around to spot me and Lou.
"You're the star of this victory sir, let's all have a drink!" A man shouted as others gleefully accepted the proposition.
I smiled, moving then to go back to Lou's horse as I walked to then unclasp my bow from it's side to hold in my palm. I understand that his unit wished to drag him away, but maybe soon I could at least get a couple of words into him to at least chat, if even possible.
I watched for a moment as Lou then walked off to place his horse in the stables to rest, all while I guided myself to walk to my tent before I caught a glimpse of a heated Casca making her way to Guts. The man was crowded by his unit, some already having ale in their mugs as the brown haired women then moved forth to approach him, all eyes on her.
I stopped my own steps for a moment to look over, interested in what would transgress.
"Captain, may I speak with you for just a moment?" Her arms crossed as Guts' eyes averted to the short haired brunette.
He slowly nodded as the men around them all clasped their lips shut for the stern voice she displayed, I grinned, holding my bow still as I shouted and continued to walk for a moment.
"Beat him! Beat him! Beat him!"
On my voice did the men turn to look to me and laugh as Guts on accordance of following Casca away, also turned to avert his dark brown eyes to me. His brows knit down only slightly as he kept his vision aimed to me, as if remembering my very words to come at me later.
I disregarded his stare as I then turned to leave, a small smile plastered on my face as I knew he was in for quite a talk from Casca.
~~~~~~~~~
(Third Person) P.O.V
"What are you trying to do?" Casca immediatly questioned as soon as they were alone. They stood on top of a stoned ground, the crumbling walls were still slightly standing as it didn't hold to be a building but what was left of one if you could understand it were ever one to begin with. Guts then moved to lean against one of the light stone walls that were still upright slightly, the wall not much taller than himself but thick enough to hold his weight.
He looked as her eyes bore straight to the taller male as he then moved to raise a brow.
"About what?"
"Don't play dumb with me Guts! Your job was to lead your unit alongside Liana's to provide flank support and containment for the main body's charge into the enemy!" She pointed her finger to Guts' chest as he looked stunned a bit from her yell.
"You had to break away from your men and charge at the enemy huh?! Head on and alone! Were you trying to be a hero or something?!" She yelled practically into the sky, once again turning her heated eyes onto Guts as a flock of birds suddenly flew overhead, the sight of the sun soon setting being apparent as she continued on. "You know you may be lucky on some parts, but your selfish behavior could have exposed the entire Band of the Hawk to danger! You should try to remember your place!"
Taking in her words, Guts turned his head, furrowing his brows to the realization of his actions as he looked elsewhere to the plains. The looks that this place where they stood must have been some small private church before for the castle by a few paces of walking was obviously a good place to yell and let off steam as she chose to do so.
"I'm sorry about that. I'll be careful from now on."
She crossed her arms, glaring to the tall soldier as she disregarded his apology.
"Kh, you always say that. You don't care as long as you get to clash swords with the enemy. Practically nothing about you has changed in the past years. You're... you're just a mad dog!" Pointing to his chest, Guts quickly turned to grab her wrist, his eyes staring to her as he let the insult of her words get to him suddenly.
His face held anger as he squeezed for a moment, letting his emotions show of his obvious hurt and frustration as he stared straight to her own eyes.
"You're wrong. I...do care. I've changed-"
Griffith's voice suddenly reverberated throughout their ears as he approached them on the field. His eyes having looked to and fro Casca and Guts to understand he came at a right moment.
"Guts, Casca, you two are fighting like cats and dogs." He held his helmet on his side as he approached with a solemn look, his attention was kept to them as he couldn't help but slightly smile at the scene to their child-like bickering. "I had asked where you two were, your men pointed me in the right direction it seems."
Yanking her hand away, Casca then made way to walk towards Griffith to click her tongue, seeing him disregard everything that has went wrong today as she made way to leave.
"You're being too easy on him Griffith." She voiced as she walked passed him to go back to the base.
Griffith looked back to her, a soft sigh escaped his lips then as he walked to step onto the stone ground to approach Guts calmly. His cape dragged behind him in his stride as Guts noticed not a spot of blood remained on his armor nor cape. Tearing his eyes away from the white haired man, Guts then looked onwards to the sunset to recall the fiery words of the brunette just moments ago. He furrowed his brows at the insults she threw at him.
"I do think about my comrades. I'm not how I was before."
Taking in Guts' words, Griffith spoke slowly, trying to change the subject of the matter as he understood dwelling on such things would only prove to be trivial.
"Can't you believe it has been four years since our duel?" His blue prestine eyes averted to Guts as the soldier looked back, a small breath exhaled from his tension to leave his body as his thoughts now turned elsewhere to reply.
"Yeah..."
The soft rays of the sun reflected across their skin and armor, Guts' eyes looking to the sky then as Griffith also stood by his side to take in the moment of this conversation two skilled swordsmen could only have.
"Hmph, that fight was enjoyable. It's how fights should be."
"I agree."
Was Guts' plain reply as Griffith then turned his head to the brute male, their difference in height not that much apparent but difference in body structure was spotted immediately.
"Can't you believe that it was that very battle that was decided to make you and Liana members of the Band of the Hawk instead of wandering mercenaries like you both were before, travelling from battle to battle?"
Guts looked off to the horizon, his unchangeable thoughts turning once more back to the girl who's been with him for so long.
"It's hard to believe we actually stood here. But... I'm glad we did." Guts confessed as Griffith nodded, exhaling as he went to place his hand on Guts' shoulder for a moment.
"Well, let's head back. The wine is all about you today after all." The white haired man gave him a smile to then gently pull his hand back before turning to leave. The sound of his boots made noise against the stone before he stepped down to the grassy plain.
"Griffith."
The said man turned around, his one azure eye aimed to Guts' as he spoke his reply. His cape lightly flowed with the wind blowing then as it pressed to his side and back when reaching down to the top of his boots.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry... for today's battle."
Griffith stared to his soldier, a moment of thought crossed his mind as his coral colored lips lightly curved upwards.
"Even that part of you, was apart of my plan."
Now turning to leave, Guts took a moment to understand his words before turning his chin to look back to the setting sun one more time before pushing himself off the wall to now start walking back.
~~~~~~~~~
Liana's P.O.V
It was sundown when Guts finally walked back to the castle. Fires all lit, the smell of wine and mead was passed as tipsy voices and jokes were heard and spread in stories of battle and their own private ventures were told. I had on my relaxed attire, my boots, trousers and tunic changed to a more fitted color and leisurely style as I sat on the log by the many men.
I had some white plasters over my fingers, my calloused skin from the constant grab of my arrows and tug of my bow string began to sting as I made sure to wrap them in the places I needed.
"Guts! Over here-!" I called as Judeau who sat right next to me looked on accordance to see him coming in his slow strides to walk.
"I had seen Griffith come in not too long after Casca did, I was beginning to wonder what they did to him haha~" Judeau voiced, his smile growing to the sight of the brute male coming forth as he held a tankard of mead in his hand to settle on thigh while watching. To the left him balanced on a log, Judeau had a metallic plate stacked with the vines of some grapes, seeing him here or there pop one into his mouth all while taking a drink soon again.
Was that a good combination?
Guts raised a hand at the distance he still was in, signalling he would come eventually as he then made a turn for his tent to probably take off his armor and weapon as I presumed that is what Casca and Griffith were doing as well, seeing as how they all weren't here. I quickly made way earlier once arriving to my tent to take off my heavy plates too, it weighs on your muscles a lot with all the gear if you took the chance to consider it.
I turned to look back to the fire, the heat in waves the flames brought to warm my skin felt relaxing as I looked onwards to see a sudden figure appear from the darkness around before me, behind the area the other men were sitting. Stepping over the log, she reached over to clasp her hand around an already filled tankard sitting atop the barrel closest to her as she then went to sit a seat away from where Lou was at across from me in this circle.
She had on relaxed attire as well, a salmon colored tunic hung fittingly around her body while a thin leather belt strapped around her waist to pull the fabric in, revealed the curvature of her womanly figure most looked passed to see with all of the armor. Her soft strands of brown hair blew gently in the wind here or there as I noted the rest of her attire to give away her figure. Light brown-almost white tight trousers accompanied herself with dark brown high set boots to rise up almost to her knees in tight straps. It almost seemed like the tunic she wore could have been a dress since it dangled down a little passed her hips. Hm, it was still nice.
I noted through my staring that Casca was quiet, the immediate raise of the tankard to her lips told us she had some frustration to relieve as another male presumed to talk as I listened here or there. My thoughts took the best of me to think over the day as I focused in and out to the conversation at hand.
"-and then, after I had told her I was 'em, she started to laugh up a storm. She couldn't believe we were from the Hawks! Ain't it so Rob?"
"Yeah, I recall that wench. Anyone should give free drinks to the band that saved their behinds. This was all the way back when we were in the village of-"
And then my mind began to drift off, my eyes wandering here or there to the laughing or smiling faces some of the men displayed as some moments later, I heard the sudden sound of boot steps return to make me turn my head, mid-drink to my tankard as I then swallowed.
"Hey it's Guts," I started, seeing him no longer clad in his armor but instead put up with more of a subtle attire to relax in. A black tunic and pants to go along with dark brown boots as I noted fitted him well. Really well. "Come on, sit." I spoke aloud, seeing as there was a spot open to the right of me as Judeau was to my left. I then stood, walking to where the barrel was next to Casca to then grab another tankard for him immediately to ease the mood he looked to be in.
I caught a glimpse of the small dart her brown orbs casted to me to look before looking away calmly, probably understanding what I was doing as I was practically in her personal space to stand as she was sitting right beside the barrel.
Walking back to the spot I found him sitting at, I ushered him the tankard as he then calmly accepted, our fingers gently brushing eachother as my face started to heat up for the random feel of his skin.
Why...am I being like this?
I have to be drunk.
But just off of one mug? I can surely hold more than that. It wasn't too long ago when I beat Lou in that drinking competition as well too.
"Thanks." He calmly spoke, lifting the mug to drink from as I then moved to sit down next to him. There was a bit of space still in between us as Judeau still calmly sat to my left, his attention instead focused to another conversation closest to him as I turned my attention back to Guts whom was on my right.
"So, nice work today Guts." I voiced as I heard Judeau's words stop to then presumably look over on the hearing of Guts' name. The blond grinned as Pippin hummed in agreement, the fire reflecting off of our eyes as Rickert then decided to politely interject.
"Yeah, that was some fighting sir, heck of a battle." The blond boy added, chewing some type of charred meat on a stick as I watched for a moment.
Where did he get that?
I want one...
"Thanks you all. But it wasn't my place to move in without consent. So I must apologize for it." His eyes averted to Casca who was sitting on the other side of the fire as I darted my attention upwards as well to watch.
She met his eyes, her brown orbs casting down in thought as I then decided to raise my tankard to take a drink to ward off the feeling of tension in the air before it tried to suffocate me.
"So, are you guys ready for the battle in a week?"
"Battle?"
"Yeah, Griffith hasn't announced it yet but I overhead him-" Judeau stopped in mid-sentence seeing Casca's glare as his green-blue eyes quickly was made to realize she disagreed with what he was relaying to us.
We all turned to see Judeau's lips shut as he then moved his eyes around to avoid her own.
"That, Judeau, is classified. Let Griffith announce the plans when the time is ready." She spoke, now closing her eyes to drink her drink once more as I raised my brows to the conversation.
"Ah...sorry Casca." Judeau scratched the back of his head, looking to me apologetically as if he were a defeated puppy as I in return smile and shook my head lightly, silently telling him it was okay.
Hm, I wonder why Griffith hasn't told us of this upcoming battle yet. Maybe he's not done sorting out the tactics for the invasion then, that could be what he doing now since he is not here with us all.
It was some hours to pass of other drinks being passed, some food being prepped in the fire by Corkus and some tales to be exchanged that everyone began to laugh upon Judeau's words of his own life.
"What are you all laughing at?~ That actually happened!" He protested, standing straight up as a sling of some mead fell with the force straight out of his mug and onto the floor.
I grinned myself to roll my eyes. His own gaze, as he stood before the fire, casted around quickly to see everyone's grin accompanied by with the shake of their heads as well in disbelief.
He must have had one too many drinks than he could handle.
No one with a right mind would believe he actually came across a mermaid.
"Haha, I like how everyone of Judeau's tales begin with him being somewhere he isn't supposed to be~" I made my way to voice as heads turned to me upon my input to then laugh in a fit.
"Hahaha~ I never noticed that all his stories were like that as well. Good call Liana." Lou grinned as Judeau began to carry on how his tale was real by the swearing of a god before the fire as we all watched him stand and preach to us of his sightings. I watched as with the movement of his hands to talk with, some of the drink would splash onto the dirt ground again to his unnoticed gaze as I laughed myself.
I had stopped sitting upon the log next to Guts, having almost fell earlier when jokes were being said from laughing too hard as I now sat upon the dirt ground, my legs bent so my knees pointed upwards as my back was to the wood. I felt Guts' left hand suddenly settle in my shoulder in my input of words to Judeau's tale as I heard him softly chuckle having him focus on the words of exchange between Judeau now and a speculative Rickert.
"But- what if you just saw a big fish? A really big fish in the distance of the ocean. Like a tuna!"
"It wasn't a tuna Rickert! I swear to you all it was a mermaid!"
I held my drink in my palm that had my said wrist relaxed upon my knee for the tankard to lightly tangle between the top of my bent legs where I sat. Feeling Guts' warm hand still in my shoulder to settle there, I focused my attention to that feeling of the warmth his touch provided before I would then suddenly dart my eyes across myself to see Casca looking.
She was not looking to me, but up to Guts as I quickly made the decision to turn my head up to the right to see where his attention was to understand it was on her as well.
They were exchanging a lot of glances tonight. I also noticed the slight tinge her skin provided me to see when they did, and I couldn't help but wonder if it were the drinks of his gaze's doing to cause such a reaction.
It didn't sit well in the pit of my stomach.
Maybe I'm just at my limit now.
Lifting the tankard to suddenly down the rest of it's contents, I then placed the mug on the ground before suddenly standing.
"Alright, I'm heading off to bed. I'll see you all tomorrow."
On my declaration did most of the attention turn to me on my standing.
"Aw you sure captain?" Lou abruptly asked looking over to me as I saw my other few men around this fire still sat around with drinks or food in their hands.
I then gave a small nod. "Yeah, I'm pretty beat. Be ready for training tomorrow." I reminded to them all as the charcoal haired male then flashed me a smile.
"Alrighty then, we'll see you tomorrow, goodnight~" Lou calmly voiced, his cheeks a slight shade of pink probably from either the drinks or also sitting far too close to the fire as I then made my way to turn.
Moving my leg over the log to cross as a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.
"Leaving so soon isn't like you."
I looked to my side, Guts' hand still on my wrist as others around the fire started to talk, dismissing my conversation with Guts now to go unheard and inattentive.
"I'm just tired from today is all. Next time, I'll stay out longer."
He held on for a small moment longer before then finally leting my wrist go. I took initiative to start walking again, my back to the fire of where they sat around as I now looked onwards to see where I was going. My steps were calm and silent upon the dirt of the baily as I used the torches set up upon the walls to guide my vision back to see where my tent was. It was dark, and as dark as it got from walking away from a big source of light many others crowded around in other flames, I found myself stilled to look exactly around.
There were so mant tents, which was mine again?
I turned my head, trying to see exactly as my vision instead made way to focus on the light glowing up above in one of the rooms inside the castle's tower, shinning out through the window to catch my attention then.
Could that be Griffith?
I know he likes to study in there sometimes but he usually leaves to his tent to sleep by now.
If only I could find my own.
I suddenly let my feet carry me in the opposite direction, walking in the back away from the sight of the others as I spotted the tower immediately faster than I could my own tent in this darkness. Walking forth some paces, I came across the door to then open it as I began to slowly make my way up the spiral grey stone steps. I made sure to keep my hand on the stone wall. I was not fully aware and I would not put it passed me to misstep and fall to my death.
The torches hung on the walls here or there to guide my way thankfully as I then slowly but finally made it up to the hall in one piece. The hall accompanied many other doors to rooms but there was only one closest that Griffith was usually in.
But wait, if he is in there, what business would I have seeing him at an hour like this?
Why did I decide to come here?
Waiting a moment before doing anything else, I stared to the closed door for a while longer before I suddenly came up with an idea in the slight slow cranking turns my mind provided to be tonight.
Ah, I'll ask him about our upcoming battle. He would understand as me being a captain, I would be interested to know even at this hour, right?
Right?
I just hope I'm not bothering him.
Going to approach door finally with my words prepared as if I were rehearsing a part to a play, I then gave the wood an experimental light knock before speaking.
"Griffith? It's Liana sir. I came to just ask a couple of questions."
I placed my hand on the dark clasp to then open the heavy creaking door, my head peeking in to spot the white haired male sitting at a desk, his left side to me as his hand was up to his cheek, reading. His wavy milk colored hair dangled down longingly passed his bent arm that was up to hold his cheek as I watched as his attention never turned to me.
The light that accompanied him stood to a flame and wick as the fire danced gently around to light up his features and the book he was reading in the glow of this night.
"Griffith?"
He then turned his head slightly to me upon my call again. His blue cerulean eyes darting to the side on the hearing of his name as I entered a little more within the room, my hand still to the door as I stood a little behind it.
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't hear you enter. I was far too lost in thought." I heard him finally voice as he then stood from the desk he was sat at. "Come in if you'd like."
As I entered more into the study on his words, I let the door go for it to eventually shut as I noted on his desk was a glass of wine, the bottle somewhere else I couldn't find with my eyes. He stood calmly as I took in his presence, the sight of his dark colored apparel drew me to stare to the contrast. I believe dark hues never suited him for his usual coloration of light shades well. The colors though, did undeniably make his hair and fair skin pop out more to be almost ethereal and ghostly to his presence.
"Is there something on your mind sir?"
His eye color reflected to be more duller in the candle light, a sigh escaping his pink lips as he kept his eyes focused to my own. Hues of blue reflected to mine for me to stare as he then let a sly smile cross his features, catching me staring too long.
"Ah, it is not appropriate to display such matter infront of a lady. I must apologize Liana, it isn't like myself to show such hindering emotions on a night of celebration." He looked into my eyes apologetically as I then watched him turn to start placing the other books he had open, away.
He doesn't seem to wish to talk about it.
I'll give him his space then, it is only suitable that I do if he has much to think over. I watched for a moment the sight of him placing some books upon the shelf of the other side of this room in the tower as I then averted my eyes away in thought.
What did I come here for again?
Ah, you know, it doesn't matter now. He seems to want to be alone so, I'll take my leave.
"I understand and respect your privacy sir, I'll be going."
I turned at once, my one step making my way back to the door to reach for the clasp as I then heard him speak again, the sound of the books being placed on the shelf stopping as I listened to his soft voice.
"Wait, was there a matter you wished to speak to me about? You came here for a reason, yes?"
I heard his steps calmly approach as I then turned, my vision focused to his appearance now before me as I stared to the contrast of dark and light his body displayed in his attire he chose to wear. It was so striking, I couldn't help but stare yet again.
"Ah, no it's not that important. You should get some rest sir, clear your head."
My eyes only then curiously darted back to his desk to avoid his own gaze. I looked as the other work there seemed to be displays of important matter, a royal insignia on the bottom of the letter as I tried to see which kingdom it was then from.
"Would talking to you be a way to clear my head if it is permitted as so?"
Hearing his words, my brown-green eyes then darted back to him immediately. The words of compliance and want spilling out of my mouth faster than I could think them over.
"If you would like to, I would not mind at all if you chose to do so. Talking is good and could help."
"Then come sit, please. I could use the company."
What am I doing? I can barely focus entirely to a topic at hand and here I am agreeing to council him?
Seeing him turn, he made his way back to his desk as I then in return followed the few steps. There, by another shelf sat a wooden chair, finely crafted and made for whomever had it long before we arrived here. Taking the item, I went ahead and pulled it up to sit a little ways by him. His wooden desk that sat the work still was hard for me to read or depict as he then suddenly reached his hand to a drawer.
Pulling it open, it revealed a wine bottle setting there as he then placed his fingers around the neck to pull it up and out in the open.
Oh, so that is what he was drinking.
Hm, I wonder if it is good. I only had wine once over and it was from a tavern Corkus chose all of us to enter to which I did not favor too highly.
Placing his first finger and thumb onto the cork atop, he then gave the seal a slight twist and pull for the bottle to open as it was already before I arrived here. Grabbing his wine glass, he then began to pour a little under half of the fill before suddenly ushering me the drink gently.
"I know you are curious of the flavor. Try some."
Seeing the glass, I let my body do the work to take it as my mind would only protest having knowing I already had too much tonight.
Lifting the glass to my lips, I tilted the clear container up for the red wine to move passed my lips and onto my tongue before downing the taste.
The taste was actually better than I had thought, far better than that cheap ass wine I had before in that god forsaken place.
"Mm-" I started, looking to him as he sat before me still. "I actually like this. And I thought I wasn't a fan of wine before."
Hearing my reply, he then reached his left hand out to place his fingers around the glass' bowl where mine was at. Trying to pull my hand back to let him take the glass, he then pulled the glass gently forth towards him as my arm extended out, my fingers still around the bowl as his was as well.
Taking the wine bottle, he then began to pour a little more into the glass as a small smile was present on his face.
"I am sorry I do not have another wine glass up here, but you wouldn't mind sharing, would you?"
He then pulled his fingers back a moment later as I was now the only one to hold the glass of red crimson wine.
"Oh no, I don't mind at all." I crossed a smile to him back politely as I then made way to lift the glass to my lips again to take some more sips of the intoxicating substance.
The taste of this wine was almost addicting, the texture of the drink being velvety and smooth to go down made me crave more as I would then lift the glass again to try and savor it the flavor altogether.
"Liana, if it is fine with you, I wish to relay information because I undoubtedly trust you wholly. I also wish to make a request if permissible."
Griffith's words caught me to look, my vision a little distorted now from the many drinks I took but his words still clear to my ears.
"I'm listening." I voiced as little as I could, not knowing if how I came out to speak would sound slurred or not. Lifting the empty glass, I set the reason for my unfocused state down onto his desk as he would then focus his attention back to me.
"I am to have a ceremony soon for our outstanding performances and loyalty to the Midland Kingdom for these past years. We have all wins and no losses thanks to the band and soldiers such as yourself under my lead. In conclusion, I am to be knighted under the king's decree and will be regarded higher in class rank. I want you specifically to be there when that day arrives, that is my request."
My hazel colored eyes widened a fraction, the news of his rank and status hitting me hard as I felt then as if now I was in the presence of some lord for me to be sitting here most unworthy to his words. To my inability to at first speak, Griffith made way to take the glass I had before to then pour some more of the red wine into it before lifting the glass to his own lips now.
During this movement, I found way to summon the words to my throat to speak as I then gave him an smile, gratitude felt as well for him to want me to be there during his knighting as I then finally spoke in the silence settle between us.
"Of course I'll be there sir. It would be my honor to be present at-" he raised his hand to stop me from speaking abruptly.
"-You don't need to use formalities with me Liana, I always remind you but you seem to always forget. Still, thank you for heeding my request." I watched as he then set the glass down, the wine downed faster than I could as I did not even realize how quick he had drank.
"It is no problem." I spoke lightly before readying myself to stand to then try to leave as I believed I should now at this point head to bed already.
As my boots touched the ground and my body rose from the seat, I felt my balance unmistakably give way as I then stumbled a bit forward, my hands going to catch myself on the arm rests of Griffith's chair as I leveled myself to hover over him where he sat.
My face reddened, my slip catching his attention entirely to look up to my face with his soul-piercing eyes as I held myself up.
"I-I'm so sorry, I think I over did it tonight," I stammered lightly before I suddenly felt his hands raise to my waist. Placing his hands on either side, he then slowly pushed to help me stand upright as he then too followed to stand in front of me. My eyes travelled up to his features to stare for the third or fourth time tonight as he then suddenly went close to wrap his arms fully around me.
My heart started to race as my features glistened off the candle light illuminating the room.
In the sudden embrace, his warm arms were still and pressed to the curve of my back. My heart beating hard against my chest as I then too placed my arms to rest on either side of his shoulders, a little also unsure of what action to take but still wanting to feel him close to me.
"I noticed when you first entered, your red cheeks were permanently stained by drinks before. Hm~ You seemed fine to talk so I thought your tolerance was far beyond acceptable to hold a few drinks of aged wine I'd propose. Maybe the drink was far too potent for you to handle, Liana."
My chest pressed up against his own as he held me tighter, his words entering my mind slower than what I could comprehend as I heard his voice resonate softly around me again.
"I believe we both needed this, me being a little emotionally out of balance with the news and you being physically out of balance with the wine," I soon after heard his laugh as I followed along to grin, paying far too much attention to how soft his hair felt to press against my heated cheek.
He was far taller than me, my face barely able to peer over his shoulder as I breathed in his scent for a moment longer before I would be the one to pull back.
"I...I think I need help going down the stairs. My mind is spinning."
I felt his right hand settle to the left of the curve of my waist as his left hand would then travel up to gently grasp my right arm that was down to my side now as he looked down to my form.
"It is okay~ I rather walk you there myself anyways so I could sleep well tonight." he gave out a short laugh before moving to slip his whole left arm to encircle my back as I also smiled. My right arm then came up to be placed across his shoulders as he held me close, hip to hip as one would to help an injured comrade out in the midst of battle.
As we started to walk to the door, I felt his right hand then raise to clasp my own that was dangling off the side of his shoulder. His left hand held firm to my waist as we made our way to the door for me to lean forward and grasp the handle to pull.
It wasn't long before we came to the top of the spiralling stone staircase, my vision blurred slightly to the fire the torches displayed around as the circles of the light reflected across my vision in glowing halos.
"One step at a time now," he reminded as I in return looked down, my left foot coming out to settle on the first step as he went down as well, still holding on securely.
Step after step of him helping me down the dizzying staircase, my eyes then came to focus on each one in particular.
It wasn't long before we would then make it passed the last step before I then tried to speak, my brows lightly furrowed as I was actually focused intensely upon not falling and bringing him down with me to the ground.
"Aha, we made it~ See, I knew we could do it."
I heard his chuckle in a reply once more resound between us. Raising my left arm, I would then find myself leaning forward to open the door to the tower's castle. The feel of the outside air hit us to cool my skin greatly as I felt my hair blow in the slight night breeze gently to then sway. Focusing my attention to all the lights around slowly dying down, I watched as I tried to -in the distance- spot out any familiar faces.
Mm, no, I don't think I will get to.
I now understood that it had proved useless, seeing how infinitely far they all were.
The sights of the camp fire lit to some men still lingered around the baily, the noise of chatter or laughter filled my senses as I felt Griffith resume to walk to help guide me now towards where my tent was. Our boots now to the dirt ground as we walked silently, our frames going unnoticed to the others still around this time of night as I heard the sound of insects begin to chirp in the distance.
Within the strides of our walk to my inattentiveness, I then noticed the sight of the tents coming forth as I then gave a smile.
"Oh, at least you know where it is." I spoke, my eyes darting around in the slight hazy vision I had to all of the tents around that seemed to match each other as I heard Griffith then lightly hum beside me, his tone sounding amused and intrigued to everything I had to say.
"I would know where what is exactly?"
"My tent," I huffed, our steps coming soon to a stop of the mile I felt we walked before he then would gently let me go to stand on my own without his assistance. "God damn I couldn't find it earlier, thank you sow much."
I then looked to him, the sight of his soft genuine smile coming into my view as I looked beyond his shoulder to see in the distance as best I could, some people still sitting by the fires those ways away as I still tried to make out faces.
Is Guts still there?
"Well, I'm glad I was able to lead you to it. Now," he voiced to then place his first finger and thumb suddenly to grasp my chin and make me look to him. "Please get some rest." I watched intently as he then bent down, his soft blue eyes closing as my own widened to the sudden action of him coming closer to me.
My heart rate suddenly sped up, the sound of my beating organ hit hard against my ears as I then quickly shut my eyes.
It was only for a moment to pass before I would then feel his lips pressed to my right cheek gently.
I felt as best I could how gentle and soft they were, as if he were ever so afraid of breaking me as I thought over now how that would be impossible.
"Goodnight Liana, please sleep well tonight."
I then felt his hand leave my chin on his words, as around the time I would eventually open them again, I found him gone to my vision. My eyes searched, the darkness before the baily cascading too much around myself for me to even try and see where he went as I decided it be best to go inside.
Moving my right hand to press against the fabric of the tent, I guided myself to then open the flap to enter completely. The red-pink tinge never leaving my heated cheeks as I felt it would permanently stay there in regards to Griffith's gentle goodnight kiss all while I started to try to take off my boots.
In the process of finally losing my balance for the probable third time tonight, I would then fall to sit down on the soft futon I was trying to find ages ago. Using my other foot, I then helped my other to kick off my boot, moving to finally then turn over to fully lay on my bed as I felt at this point that my eyes would not open whatsoever, even if I had wanted them to.
It felt good to finally sleep.
Hello lovely readers,
I know it is a little early but happy Valentine's day and I do hope you all have a great one coming up for this is my gift to you with much love! Thank you for your continued patience you all continue to give me for updates as well. My classes this semester has been a struggle but just hang there, I'll be posting before you know it! Hope you all continue to have a wonderful day~
-Azel