(A/N) Finally, the Fire Emblem fanfic I've been planning to write for what feels like forever!
I had this idea sometime last year and it was one of the stories I really wanted to write when I got my account, but unfortunately this year has been a disaster for my mental health and it's taken a long time to get around to it. I decided to wait until I had several chapters finished before posting, but now I think I have enough of it done that I can (hopefully) stay ahead of myself. I've found that I tend to be more productive when I have several projects to switch between. (I'm still working on We Never Walk Alone btw if anyone is wondering!)
I seriously can't believe how in love I am with this ship! XD One of the reasons I love the Roy x Idoun pairing so much is because on the surface it sounds like kind of a crack pairing (as protagonist x final boss pairings tend to be) but since Idoun isn't really a villain, there isn't necessarily much keeping this ship from happening. Plus, I've always kind of liked Roy, and Idoun is my favorite character in the entire series. I remember seeing her battle sprite a long time ago and thinking she was awesome, and apparently those feelings haven't gone away. I also find it fitting that I, as an asexual, am so drawn to a purple dragon.
Also, I mainly decided to also pair Wolt and Lilina in this because I like both of them, and for some reason it was easy for me to picture them together. I don't know why, since they don't have a support option in the game and don't really get to interact with each other much, but it made sense to me.
One last thing: I'm using the names from one of the older translations in this story, because they're the ones I'm used to and also the ones I like the most. Just to clear up any confusion if some names look unfamiliar.
It was dark and quiet by the time Roy and his companions finally reached Arcadia. After a long and somewhat tiring journey, seeing the faint glow from lanterns in the village was a welcome relief.
"Whew," Wolt sighed. "That looks like Arcadia, Master Roy. We made it."
"You know you don't have to call me that," Roy said. "We grew up together like brothers, remember?"
"Of course I remember, Master Roy," Wolt replied. "You've made sure to remind me of that multiple times since the war. But you're still Marquess Eliwood's son and heir to Pherae."
"No need to remind me about that," Roy said quietly.
"If you boys ever stop arguing," Lilina interrupted, "you'll see that someone from the village is heading this way."
Sure enough, a lone figure off in the distance seemed to be slowly approaching Roy and his two companions. Taking a guess at who the stranger probably was, Roy glanced at Lilina and Wolt.
"Let's go meet them, shall we?" he said.
With that, he took off running across the desert, kicking up sand as he rapidly approached the village and the figure awaiting them. He was suddenly struck by how freeing it felt to run like this; it seemed like forever ago that he had felt this carefree…
"Roy, wait for us!" Lilina called after him.
She and Wolt ran behind Roy, though neither of them seemed as enthusiastic about it as he did. Before long, all three were feeling out of breath as the stranger came into view. As expected, it was Sofiya, the half Dragon girl who had the power to see the future.
"I sensed you coming…" she said. "Why have you come…back to Arcadia…after so long?"
"My father sent me to check up on the village, just to be sure it remains safe, and to return something," Roy explained. "It's nothing to worry about; I doubt we'll be here for long."
"I see…" Sofiya replied. "Nevertheless…it is good to see you again. I can take you…to the inn…if you wish."
"Yes, if you don't mind, we would appreciate that," Lilina said.
"Follow me…" Sofiya said.
She turned and led them into the village, walking at a calm, slow pace. Roy and the others followed behind her, relieved at finally having reached their destination. It was the middle of the night and Arcadia was very quiet, but it was a calming quiet, different than the eerie emptiness of the open desert at night.
"Why did you run like that?" Lilina whispered to Roy as they walked.
"I don't know; it just felt…right," Roy replied vaguely.
Lilina sighed.
"I just hope you're taking this visit seriously," she said. "You've been acting…unusual ever since we left Lycia. Is there…anything you want to tell—?"
"We're here…" Sofiya said, stopping in front of one of the larger buildings in the village. "We do not often…have visitors here…so there should be some rooms open for you. Follow me."
She opened the door and stepped inside; the interior was almost completely dark except for a few lanterns, but an empty dining area was visible in the firelight. It looked as if either no one was here, or no one was awake. Sofiya continued leading them, up a staircase, and down a hall until reaching a pair of doors; one on each side. She walked very quietly, and Roy wasn't sure whether that was to avoid waking up other guests or just part of her calm demeanor.
"Master Roy…Wolt…you may stay in this room," Sofiya said, indicating the door on the left. "Unless…you would rather stay…in separate rooms…?"
"No, that's fine, Sofiya," Roy assured her. "If Wolt doesn't stay with me, he'll probably stay up all night guarding my door."
Wolt chuckled slightly.
"Master Roy, you know me well," he said.
"As for you, Lady Lilina…you may have…this room," Sofiya continued, indicating the door right across from Roy and Wolt's room.
"Thank you again, Sofiya," Lilina said.
"It is no trouble, Lady Lilina…" Sofiya replied. "It is an honor…to have you all with us… I presume…you will wish to speak with the elder…in the morning?"
"Yes, I'll need to speak to him tomorrow," Roy confirmed. "Thank you again, Sofiya."
"You are most welcome…Master Roy…" Sofiya said. "I will leave you to get settled."
She turned and walked back to the stairs, leaving Roy and his companions alone in the hall. Roy glanced at Wolt, then at Lilina, and saw they were all thinking the same thing.
"We need to get some rest," Roy said. "It'll be morning before long, and I want to be well rested when we meet with the elder."
"Good night, Roy, Wolt," Lilina said, entering her own room and closing the door.
Roy opened the door to the other room and stepped inside, Wolt following behind him. The room was dark, but there was just enough light coming in through the windows to see. It was a simple room; not at all like what Roy was accustomed to back in Pherae, but nice enough for a secret village in the middle of the desert.
"Master Roy," Wolt said as he closed the door, "if you don't mind my asking, is everything alright? You haven't been yourself lately."
Roy sighed as he set the Sealed Sword down beside his bed, and then began to take off his armor.
"So you noticed too?" he said. "Lilina said the same thing when we arrived here. Have I really been acting…unusual?"
"Yes," Wolt replied. "Ever since we left Pherae…perhaps even before then. Master Roy, why were you so eager to go on this mission?"
"I…" Roy hesitated; he did not want to worry his friend, but it would be a relief to talk about it with someone he trusted. "The truth is…I'm afraid my duties in Pherae have started to catch up with me. I just thought being away—even for only a short while—sounded appealing."
"Ah," Wolt remarked. "I suspected that might be why. It must be hard…to have everyone expect so much of you."
"It is," Roy agreed. "I suppose I thought that once the war was over, things would go back to normal. But it seems like nothing will ever be the same now. With Lilina taking over in Ostia, and my father preparing me to do the same in Pherae…"
"But you always knew that day was coming, didn't you?" Wolt asked.
"I know," Roy said. "But it's different now that it's actually on the horizon. I always thought I would have more time, but then the war happened…"
"Master Roy, you're not the only one who wishes the war hadn't happened," Wolt replied. "That was hard on all of us. But there's nothing we can do to change that now. I just don't want you to be stuck in the past when there's still so much to be done now."
"Thank you, Wolt," Roy said. "It does ease my mind to know you haven't changed, even after all that's happened."
Wolt smiled.
"I'll always be here for you, Master Roy!" he said. "Though I have to ask…shouldn't we try to get some sleep now?"
"Right," Roy agreed. "We have a big day tomorrow. Good night, Wolt."
"Good night, Master Roy."
Roy awoke early the next morning to see sunlight streaming in through the windows, illuminating the simple bedroom he'd spent the night in. Realizing he'd need to get ready to meet with the elder soon, he climbed out of bed and started to put his armor back on. Across the room, Wolt was still asleep, but Roy figured he would probably wake up soon. Not wanting to disturb his friend's sleep, he quietly left the room after retrieving the Sealed Sword.
Ever since the war ended, he'd kept the legendary sword with him at all times, just in case he and his friends were ever unexpectedly attacked. It gave him a sense of security, knowing he had with him one of the most powerful weapons in all of Elibe. Perhaps it was foolish, but Roy would rather be mocked for carrying the sword with him all the time than be unable to protect one of his friends all because he hadn't brought it with him.
As he walked down the hall towards the stairs, Roy heard the sounds of lively conversation coming from the inn's dining area below, and could smell something cooking in the kitchen. Entering the room, he saw half of the tables were now filled with people talking and eating, and just having a good time. The sight was so warm and inviting that it made Roy feel right at home, and he found himself wishing they weren't planning on leaving Arcadia so soon.
Just then, he spotted a girl with long blue hair sitting at a nearby table, her back to him. She seemed to be conversing with some of the villagers, who all seemed to enjoy her company.
"Lilina?" Roy said, walking up to the table.
"Roy!" Lilina replied, turning around to face him. "You're awake! Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, more so than I have in quite a while," Roy answered. "I see you've already made yourself at home."
"Lady Lilina was just telling us about your time in the war," an older man at the table said. "Master Roy, is it true you were only fifteen when you defeated King Zephiel?"
"Yes, it's true," Roy sighed.
This earned a round of cheers from the table, but for Roy, recalling the experience left him feeling a little strange inside. He remembered the war almost like it was yesterday, but to think he was that young when he fought Zephiel face to face…
"Here, have a seat," Lilina said, indicating an empty chair next to her. "We don't have to meet with the elder until later today. You may as well have something to eat while we're waiting."
"Are you sure?" Roy asked. "Did you pay the innkeeper? Because I would—"
"Don't be ridiculous, Master Roy!" one of the men at the table joked. "You defeated Bern in the war three years ago! This meal's on us!"
"You're not going to let me pay you anything?" Roy asked.
The guests at the table all shook their heads.
"Having Master Roy and Lady Lilina visit our village is payment enough," the first old man said, standing up from the table and walking around to Roy. "Which reminds me, Master Roy, I have yet to introduce myself. I am Owen, the innkeeper. I trust Sofiya took care of everything you needed last night?"
"Y-yes, sir," Roy confirmed, a little flustered. "My apologies; I didn't realize who you were. I at least need to pay you for our rooms—"
Owen held up his hands.
"No need, Master Roy," he said. "You defended our village, rescued Fa from Bern's soldiers, even spared Idoun's life… It is Arcadia that is in your debt."
Roy sighed again, unable to think of an argument. After growing up in a noble household, and then seeing firsthand during the war how the common folk lived, it didn't sit right with him to pay for nothing. Besides, he wasn't solely responsible for winning the war against Bern; he'd had a lot of help from others along the way, not to mention the Divine Weapons…
"If you insist," Roy conceded. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Owen."
"And it is an honor to meet you, Master Roy," Owen replied. "As well as you, Lady Lilina. I am pleased to know you found your accommodations acceptable."
"It's a very nice place you have," Roy agreed, sitting down by Lilina.
"Will you be joining us for a meal after all?" Owen inquired.
"Yes," Roy said. "Might we have one more chair, as well? My other companion should be joining us soon."
"Another companion?" gasped one of the other men at the table.
"Who is it?" a woman asked.
"His name is Wolt," Roy said. "He's—"
"The archer who wielded Murgleis in the battle with Zephiel!" the woman exclaimed.
"We're going to meet a third wielder of a Divine Weapon?" the first man added.
"Will we get to see the—" another started.
"Now, now, everyone," Owen interrupted. "Let's not harass our guests with questions. We are honored to have them with us."
Roy breathed a sigh of relief, as Owen took his seat once again. He was hoping that their brief stay in Arcadia would be a quiet one, but it was quickly becoming clear that his fame wasn't going to leave him anytime soon.
Soon enough, Wolt arrived in the dining area and joined his companions, taking his seat on Roy's other side. The table cheered at his arrival, to which he displayed a look of genuine confusion.
"Long story," Roy mouthed silently.
Wolt nodded in understanding. Some of the other guests at the table looked like they wanted to ask more questions, but some looks from Owen stopped them. Though it still made Roy uncomfortable to not pay Owen for anything, he was grateful for the innkeeper's kindness and consideration. In a village as secluded as Arcadia, he couldn't imagine there were many travelers stopping by.
As a pair of middle-aged people brought several bowls of soup to the table, Lilina spoke up.
"If you don't mind my asking," she said cautiously, "where do you all come from? If Arcadia is a hidden village…"
Several of the guests laughed, and Owen was smiling. Even despite the extra attention he could have done without, Roy found that the atmosphere here was quite relaxing, much different from the busy life of a noble.
"Most of us are from here," one younger woman said. "When we move out of our parents' homes, a lot of us come here to work."
"Yep, Owen lets us stay here until we get our own houses," another man said.
"But, if you all work here…" Roy said.
"Oh, we don't all work here," an older woman corrected. "Most of us are just here for the food. It's some of the best in all of Arcadia."
Roy tasted the soup, and instantly liked it. The flavor was rather plain, likely due to the fact that Arcadia was an isolated village in the desert without access to many seasonings, but there was something appealing about the simple taste. Just as Arcadia didn't need great wealth or power to be one of the most amazing places in Elibe, Owen's soup was perfect the way it was.
"Well, I shall leave you to enjoy your meal," Owen said, standing up from the table and turning to leave. "I must go greet our guests, but it was an honor to meet all three of you. I hope you enjoy your stay in Arcadia."
After Owen was gone, the other guests continued asking Roy and his companions questions about the war, as well as the outside world. They were Arcadians, after all, and most had never been outside their hidden village before. Heeding Owen's warning, though, they were careful not to overwhelm their guests by asking too much at once.
By the time their meal was over, Roy found himself feeling a little disheartened. It had been such a different experience, eating and talking with the villagers, and he wasn't sure he wanted it to end. Unfortunately, he didn't have much of a choice.
"Master Roy?" said a voice from behind.
Roy stood up and turned around, coming face to face with a familiar tan-skinned woman with light blonde hair.
"Igrene!" Roy said.
"Welcome back to Arcadia, Master Roy," Igrene replied. "Are you and your companions ready? The elder wishes to speak with you."
"Yes, of course," Roy said. "It's good to see you again."
"The same goes for you and your companions," Igrene said.
"Leaving so soon?" one of the men at the table inquired as Lilina and Wolt got up from their seats. "It was such a pleasure to have met all three of you!"
"It's a pleasure to stay in your village," Lilina replied.
With no more deliberation, Igrene turned and led Roy, Lilina, and Wolt outside the inn, into the dusty streets of Arcadia. Roy had to adjust his eyes to the onslaught of light that sharply contrasted the dark and cozy interior of Owen's inn.
As they walked, Roy took in all the sights around him, feeling a little downcast. He had tried to prepare himself for this, knowing the trip to Arcadia was supposed to be quick, but he still couldn't help but wish they were staying longer. Everyone in the inn had been so kind, and aside from the frequent questions about the war and their adventures, Roy had enjoyed eating with them.
"It's not worth dwelling on it," Roy told himself. "Whether it's fair or not, you are the heir of Pherae and you can't change that."
Lost in his thoughts, Roy had barely noticed they were almost to the temple. As they entered, he tried to put his concerns out of his mind for the moment and focus on the task at hand. Thankfully, it wasn't long before they reached the elder.
"Ah, Master Roy," he said, standing up and walking over to the new arrivals. "And who might your companions be?"
"This is Wolt and Lilina," Roy replied, indicating both of them. "They both fought with me during the war against Bern."
"Yes, of course…" the elder replied thoughtfully. "Thank you for bringing them, Igrene. You may leave us now."
Igrene nodded and left the temple without a word, leaving Roy and his friends alone with the elder.
"So…Lord Eliwood sent you, I presume?" the elder inquired.
"Yes, that is correct," Roy confirmed. "My father sent me to ensure Arcadia remains safe, and to return something we borrowed from you during the war. Lilina?"
Lilina pulled out a bright red tome with the image of a flame on the front, and stepped forward to hand it to the elder. He took it gently, examining it for a few seconds before speaking again.
"Thank you very much, Lady Lilina," he said kindly. "I trust the Forblaze tome was of great use to you in the war?"
"Yes," Roy said. "I cannot thank you enough for entrusting it to us, sir."
"There is no need," the elder replied. "The Divine Weapons were created to defend this world, and you used them for that very purpose. It would be better for our Divine Weapon to be in the hands of a noble warrior than hiding away in a temple while evil forces destroy our world."
"All the same, sir, I believe we all hope we never have to use the Divine Weapons again," Roy said.
"Yes, we all hope to see peace return to Elibe…" the elder agreed. "As for Arcadia, our village remains safe and tranquil, as always. I do not believe you or your companions have any reason to worry about us."
"I see…" Roy said. "Well, I suppose that is all—"
"Roy! Roy! Roy!" shouted a young voice, one that Roy recognized instantly.
"Fa!" he said, turning around to face the young Divine Dragon girl.
"What are you doing here?" the elder asked. "Did I not tell you to stay with—?"
"But Fa had to come tell Roy that Sofiya wants to talk to you!" Fa shouted.
"Sofiya?" Roy replied. "Where is she?"
"She's coming!" Fa said, smiling.
"No need to remain here on my account, Master Roy," the elder said. "You may go to Sofiya now."
"Yay!" Fa exclaimed. "Come on, Roy! Let's go see Sofiya!"
As energetic as always, Fa turned and ran back out of the temple, Roy and his friends jogging to try and keep up with her. Luckily, Sofiya was waiting just outside.
"Master Roy…are you planning to leave soon?" Sofiya asked.
"Yes, we were going to leave after speaking to the elder," Roy replied. "Is there something else we need to do before we leave?"
"No…" Sofiya said, Roy's heart sinking a little at the response. "But…there is a sandstorm coming… If you leave Arcadia now…you may be in danger…"
"Are you saying…we should stay in Arcadia?" Roy asked.
"Roy—" Lilina started.
"Yes…it would be safest for you to remain here…until the storm passes," Sofiya said. "I sense the storm will be gone by the morning."
"Then I suppose we'll have to leave tomorrow instead," Roy decided. "Lilina? Wolt? What do you think?"
Wolt gave Roy a knowing look, presumably having sensed his friend's enthusiasm. Lilina, meanwhile, looked uncertain.
"I suppose…it should be alright to stay one more day," she said. "I trust my advisors in Ostia. Though I'm afraid they'll be worried by my absence…"
"There's nothing we can do about that, Lady Lilina," Wolt said. "If Sofiya is right—and she usually is—then we don't want to be traveling through a sandstorm."
"You're right," Lilina agreed. "Roy? What do you think?"
"I wouldn't mind staying in Arcadia another day," Roy answered, trying to sound impartial. "It sounds like the most logical option right now."
Lilina sighed, defeated.
"It's settled then," she said. "We'll stay in Arcadia one more night."
"Yay!" Fa exclaimed, jumping up and down. "Fa's so glad you're staying! Fa has so much to tell you! Sofiya, let's go back to—"
"Fa," Sofiya interrupted, gently but firmly enough that Fa listened. "You can go back to the inn…with Master Roy and the others. I have to find Igrene and warn the rest of the villagers…"
"Ok!" Fa replied. "Come on, Roy, let's go to the inn! Fa's so happy you're staying!"
Sofiya turned and left, while Fa hurried running back towards the inn. Feeling a new burst of energy, Roy took off running after her, Lilina and Wolt following behind and trying to keep up.
"Roy!" Fa laughed, glancing back to see him following her. "You're running like Fa! Fa thought grown-ups don't run!"
Roy laughed too, her words reminding him once again of how long it had been since he'd felt free like this. Since the war started, it seemed as if someone else always had his life planned out for him. It was a wonderful feeling, being in control of his own life, even if it only lasted for a short time.
"Oh, come on, Fa, I'm younger than you!" Roy joked.
Before he knew it, they had arrived back at Owen's inn. Roy was grateful, because though he had enjoyed running after Fa, he definitely didn't have her energy. Glancing behind him, he saw that Lilina and Wolt didn't either.
"Roy, this running off without us seems like it's becoming a habit," Lilina remarked. "Are you sure the Sealed Sword's power isn't having some kind of effect on you?"
"I don't think it is," Roy replied.
Lilina still looked skeptical, but she entered the inn after Fa. Wolt followed, stopping next to Roy right beside the door.
"Have you told her yet?" he whispered.
"No, I don't want to worry her," Roy whispered back. "She has so many responsibilities in Ostia now; I don't want to distract her."
Wolt nodded, seemingly satisfied with this answer, and turned to enter the inn. Roy followed him inside, and was once again greeted by the cozy, pleasant atmosphere of the establishment. Fa was already happily chatting away with some of the guests, who all seemed to know her pretty well.
"Back so soon, Master Roy?" Owen said, now sitting behind a desk with a very large book open.
"Sofiya predicted a sandstorm," Roy explained. "She said it would be best if we stayed until tomorrow. Which reminds me, I really should pay you for—"
Owen shook his head.
"The wielder of the Sealed Sword who led the charge against Bern owes me nothing," he said. "It is the least I can do to offer you and your companions a place to stay, however long you might need it."
"Understood," Roy replied.
"Master Roy, should we find a place to sit down?" Wolt asked. "Perhaps a quiet table in the corner? If we're going to be here for the rest of the day, we might as well get comfortable."
"Good thinking," Roy agreed. "There's a small one over there that looks out of the way."
All in agreement, the three friends walked through the busy dining area and took their seats at a smaller table in the corner of the room. It was a bit dusty and looked as though it hadn't been used in a while, but was still just as sturdy as the rest of the tables.
Almost immediately after they sat down, Fa came running over to them, as bubbly as always.
"Roy!" she said. "Guess who's coming! Fa knows you'll never guess!"
"Someone else is coming?" Roy asked. "Is it someone I know?"
Fa nodded.
"Sofiya?" Roy guessed. "Or Igrene?"
Fa shook her head.
"Fa will just go get her so you can see," she said, running off again.
"That girl sure is energetic," Wolt remarked.
"She hasn't changed at all from when we knew her," Lilina added. "What must it be like to age that slowly…?"
Fa was now over by the front door, leading a tall, cloaked figure inside by the hand. Upon seeing the dark purple cloak with gold trim, Roy realized who this was. As Fa led her into the inn and through the dining area, the lively conversations seemed to quiet down, and some of the guests had uneasy looks on their faces.
Fa, of course, was oblivious to all of this. She walked back up to Roy's table, smiling as brightly as she always did. Then, looking up at the cloaked figure—who was quite a bit taller than her—she started giggling.
"Why do you always wear that hood?" she laughed. "Take it off so Roy can see your face, silly!"
Fa started jumping with her hands reaching up, as if trying to lower the hood herself. The cloaked person, seemingly unaware, reached a hand up and pulled the hood down.
Even though Roy already suspected who this was, he still felt his heart rate increase slightly as Idoun revealed herself. She looked just like she had when he had last seen her; her face was pale and devoid of emotion, her light purple hair was long and straight, and her heterochromatic eyes were just as vibrant—and just as different from each other—as they always were. It was amazing to think that someone with such a gentle appearance could have been the most fearsome enemy Roy had ever fought.
And yet here she was, standing before him so calmly, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. She turned to face Roy, face still displaying no sign of emotion.
"Roy," she said, her voice soft but yet firm, with no hint of personality behind it. "You are Roy."
Fa clapped and jumped up and down excitedly.
"You remembered!" she said cheerily. "Fa's so happy you remembered! Roy, do you remember Idoun?"
"How could I not?" Roy thought, memories of fighting the imposing Dark Dragon flashing back through his mind. "But after all this time…I had hoped she would have recovered more. She still seems just as lifeless as before…"
"I remember her," Roy said, trying not to let Fa see his disappointment.
"I remember you," Idoun replied.
"Yay!" Fa cheered. "Fa's happy Roy and Idoun remember each other! We're going to have so much fun together!"
Just then, Roy looked up to see Sofiya and Igrene enter the inn, and both quietly exchanged words with Owen for a few seconds. Then, Igrene turned to leave, while Sofiya came over to join Roy's group.
"I'm sorry to interrupt…" she said. "Idoun…you must come with me."
"What?!" Fa exclaimed. "Where's Idoun going?"
"The elder wishes…for her to stay in the temple…during the sandstorm," Sofiya explained.
Fa frowned, attaching herself to Idoun like a leech. Idoun didn't react, seemingly unaware of the conversation about her.
"Then Fa's going too!" Fa declared.
"Very well," Sofiya replied.
She turned around to leave, Fa and Idoun following after her. Roy watched as they continued to the door and exited the inn, then turned to his friends.
"Why do you think she would have to stay in the temple?" Roy asked them.
Lilina and Wolt shared an uneasy glance, both clearly thinking the same thing.
"I think…the villagers are uncomfortable around her," Lilina said quietly, leaning down and checking to make sure no one was watching.
"Oh…" Roy said, his heart sinking. "You mean…because of who she was?"
"It's to be expected, Master Roy," Wolt said. "You and I may be able to see through it all, but to many she is still the Dark Dragon defeated by Hartmut in the Scouring."
"But it wasn't her fault," Roy said sadly. "None of this was her fault. To think, even after I was able to spare her life…"
"You can't hold yourself responsible," Wolt said sympathetically. "You did everything you could for her. If the villagers can't change their minds about her, that isn't your fault."
Roy let out a deep sigh, feeling exhausted. He knew Wolt was right; there was nothing he could do about how the villagers viewed Idoun, but he still found the revelation incredibly disheartening.
As the hours went on, Roy and his companions watched as Arcadians came and went, sometimes filling the inn's dining area and other times leaving it nearly empty. They ate and talked with some of the other villagers, and for several hours Roy was able to put aside his worries and relax.
However, as night drew near and Roy and his friends retired to their rooms, there was one concern that would not leave his mind. One thought that would keep him awake for hours into the night, well after Wolt was sound asleep in the bed across the room.
"Idoun didn't deserve this," he thought. "She didn't deserve any of this."
(A/N) This...chapter...took...so...long...to...write...
Seriously, though, I'm new to writing in this setting and it's definitely taken some getting used to. I'm still surprised I've only made one OC for this so far! (i often have what some might consider a LOT) There will be more of Idoun (and Fa!) in the next few chapters; this one was just to kind of set everything up.
Also on that line about Idoun being a 'fearsome enemy'... *whispers loudly* JUST PRETEND SHE WASN'T THE WEAKEST FINAL BOSS IN THE SERIES. ;)
On that note, I should probably take a break from writing this and try to finish playing through Chapter 8...