Just Roll With It

Chapter Three

Ylisstol, A Chance Encounter


When we made it through the gates to the city the gravity of my situation had finally set in, and it made me sick. How could this happen? There is no conceivable way that I traveled through time this far into the past. If this even is the past... that assumption doesn't account for the magic. I've put my safety in the hands of people I barely know. My family still wouldn't be missing me yet… I doubt even if they had noticed I was gone I doubt they could find me. I'm royally fucked.

The further we made it through the cobbled streets, the more obvious it became we were heading to the palace. My heart sank. The city itself was picturesque, beautiful architecture spread throughout. Most buildings had pale stone bases, topped with whitewashed wood and black tile roofs. Almost Like Tudor style houses back home. The closer to the palace we came, the more people I noticed were amassing. Craning my neck to see what had caught the crowd's attention, I saw a woman. Blonde hair not unlike Lissa's flowed like sunshine down her back, pale green robes clung to her figure. I was enamored with her, all I could do was stand still. She was like an angel taken flesh, the picture of serene grace.

I was ripped from my daydreams by a sharp push on my back, "Quit gawking at The Exalt and get a move on." Sully barked, a slight smirk on her face.

My cheeks flushed, "I-I was not…" I replied, stammering.

"I have been starstruck by many a fair lady my friend, and you were definitely gawking just as Sully says." Virion supplied, a hand on my shoulder.

"Hah! Ruffles is an idiot but at least we can agree on something." Sully chortled.

Infinitely more embarrassed than I should be, I exhaled a long breath; and kept moving forward. When I glanced at where The Exalt Emmeryn had been standing previously, she was gone. Another sigh left me as we made it into the castle grounds.

Breaking off from the group, Sully called to Chrom, "Hey boss, I'm heading back to the barracks."

Stopping for a moment, "Oh, alright Sully, tell the others I said hi." Chrom replied.

"I think I'm gonna go with her." I chimed in.

Chrom looked confused but settled after a moment, "Are you sure?" Chrom questioned, "This may be the only chance you get to meet my sister for a long while."

My face blanches, His sister! I'm definitely not going…

Considering I would not like to make a fool of myself in front of royalty, I replied quickly, "Nah, I'm sure the chance will come again sometime." Looking like a lovesick puppy didn't seem appealing either.

Looking around for some sort of backup, I saw none. Robin rolled her eyes at me and turned away from me. Wipe that look off your face bitch. Frederick looked nonplussed, and Lissa just stood there anxious to get inside.

"Alright then, I'll be with you all later." Chrom stated, and turned to walk away the rest of The Shepherds following him.

Sully, Virion, and I made our way down a path towards the barracks. To be honest if you asked me how to get to the barracks I wouldn't know how, I stopped paying attention to what was happening around me moments into the walk. Before I knew it we had arrived at the barracks. The Shepherds' barracks from the outside were not much to look at. The yard outside was overgrown, wooden training dummies were posted around the walls, standing there like sentries. A sizable shed stood in the corner, equally in disrepair. The stone of the building was the same pale stone pretty much everything else was made of in the city, except a majority of it was covered in moss and algae. The building stood around two floors tall.

Approaching the door, Sully turned to Virion and I, "Here we are ladies, home sweet home."

"And a fine home it is," Virion replied, sarcasm rich in his accented voice.

"Do you all clean up… like ever?" I asked without thinking. A sharp glare from Sully was the only response I got.

As we pushed our way into the barracks, a rather large interior came into view. Rugs covered a cobblestone floor. To the right of the door was the largest wet bar, or at least the medieval equivalent of one. I had ever seen. stools were almost haphazardly placed around it.A long hallway sat off to the side of the bar. To the left of the door sat a seating area, Large couches and several armchairs surrounded an unlit fireplace. The room was lit by sconces on the walls. Overall, a stark contrast from the dilapidated exterior.

At first glance I didn't see the people sitting around the bar, two men and a woman. When we pushed in the room, all of their eyes fell on us.

The largest of the three stood to greet us, "Hey there Sully, ol' Teach can already tell you missed him." the man said with a laugh.

"It is too early for your shit today Vaike." Sully growled.

"But it's 4 o'clo-" Thwack, Sully interrupted the shirtless blonde with a strike on the back of his head. Mental note, don't fuck with Sully.

A lighthearted voice spoke up, "Sully, who are our friends here?"

"Ask them, Stahl." She replied, still scowling at Vaike.

Deciding to speak up, "Hey there I'm Nik," I began, "I was the newest Shepherd, until last night when he came along." I added, pointing at Virion.

Stahl smiled and offered his hand, "Nice to meet you Nik, glad to have you aboard." I took his hand and shook it.

"Glad to be here," I said easily.

When the woman began to approach, I felt the air move around me as Virion moved to intercept her.

Grasping a very confused woman's hand Virion began, "Forgive me for my boldness my lady, but what may I ask is your name perchance? A lady as breathtaking as yourself commands my utmost attention." A stupid smile on his face.

Turning red the woman barely managed a reply, "S-Sumia, Uhh… c-could you let my hand go, please?"

"Nonsense Lady Sumia, one such as yourself deser-" Thwack, Sully cut him short as well.

"Knock it off, Ruffles." Sully growls at Virion.

A laugh erupted from the group as Virion lies on the floor cradling his leg. This group is going to be fun. After we calm down and everyone is standing again, a wave of drowsiness washes over me, I push it away as we sit to talk. Maybe fifteen minutes passed in our small talk when the drowsiness comes back, interrupting Virion as he regales the group with our escapades from last night, I speak, "Hey, is there anywhere I can go lie down?" I yawned, "Walking for the past few days has about killed me."

"Yeah, the men's rooms are on the top floor, just pick ya one out." Vaike supplies, confusion crossing his face.

"If you go to sleep now you'll miss dinner." Stahl gulped, as if he shuddered at the thought.

Turning to go to the hallway, "I'll be fine, I'm not very hungry anyway," I lied, the meager at best breakfast I had was definitely not enough, "Goodnight everyone."

"Goodnight." The Shepherds called after me.

Making my way through the upstairs hall, I noticed slate boards with different Shepherds names written on them, marking each room in the light of the lone window at the end of the hall. I made my way to the end of the long hallway. I cringed when I pushed the door open and heard the hinges creak. The room I entered was large enough for a double bed, wardrobe, and desk to sit and still have room to walk around. My breathing halted when I saw the copious amounts of dust coating every surface. My allergies are going to kill me. But I didn't care, not at that moment, I was too tired. After pushing the window open and disrobing, I descended into the bed. Sleep came quickly after.


Red eyes surround me. The groans of the undead fill my ears. I'm running as fast as I can, chasing after someone. Wounds open up on my arms and legs as the Risen slash at me, it's excruciating. The person I'm chasing grows further and further from me. My legs are failing me. My legs fall out from under me, sharp pain in my lower back the cause. But still I move forward. Crawling forward is all I can do. I know it's pointless, I can no longer feel my legs. The pain I've been experiencing seems miniscule as more and more claws, swords, and axes rend my flesh. I can only stop and take the punishment. I should be dead with my injuries, but death won't come. A Risen straddles my tattered body, axe in hand, ready to strike. The axe falls.

I wake up with a shout, the sky is still black, ice flows through my veins. My breathing is haggard. Scouring my surroundings for the menace that plagued my dreams, I find nothing. I'm in the barracks, I'm safe. I repeat that thought for what feels like ten minutes until a sneeze of massive proportions rocks my world. Goddamn dust… Realizing I'm not going back to bed wasn't very hard so, I got out of bed and dressed myself.

In a whisper, "Time to clean." I declare to myself.

Cleaning has always put me in a better mood, it's not so much of being a clean freak that soothes my nerves. It's focusing on a singular task; having a simple target, a clear end goal in mind. There's no telling yourself that you don't know how to accomplish it, it's either clean or not clean, and that contents me.

Dusting everything in the room is a daunting task, but not a hard one. Lighting the single candle on my nightstand to see what I'm doing however, was difficult, but I got there in the end. Once the candle was lit on my desk I saw something, a bowl with a cloth covering its top presumably to prevent dust from falling in. Walking over, I took the bow in both hands and removed the cloth. Inside was something, but it smelled heavenly even if it was freezing cold now. I smiled, sat on my bed, and tucked in. At least I know they can cook here.

After I finished eating it was time to get down to business. I took the cloth covering and got to work. Hours flew by, before I knew the sun was poking its head above the horizon. My room, now devoid of dust, started to feel more like a living space and not as much a storage closet. With the sun rising, I heard the other Shepherds begin to stir. It wasn't too long before knocking came at my door.

A small voice came from the other side, "The others sent me… We're going out to train if you want to join us." The voice was barely above a whisper.

I groaned. It's too early for this shit, but deciding not to rock the boat, I called back, "Alright, just wait there for me, I'll be out in a moment."

I opened the door, but there was no one there. So much for waiting, huh? I brushed it off and made my way downstairs. Stahl was behind the bar, sleepily putting something together for breakfast. I nodded to him as I pulled the outside door open. Once outside, four people came into view: Frederick, Sully, Vaike and Robin… Ugh… Kill me now.

Frederick regarded me first, "Nikolas," he looked to the other Shepherds, "Let's begin." A look of pure joy pervaded his usually stoic face.

I'm no stranger to workouts, I've been working out forever, even if
I slacked off in the past two years of college. But when I say that what Frederick made us do hurt, I mean it. We started off with a run, more like a death march, around the castle grounds, I was in the back, the entire way. If I'm honest, I kept myself in the back, I needed to pace myself to even make it halfway. Sully was the first to finish, next Vaike and finally Robin and I. The former two looked no worse for wear, Robin and I however, were a mess. She had long since shed her oversized coat, leaving her in a pinstriped tank top. Bent over at the waist begging for the air to return to her, I wasn't in much better shape.

I am not a long distance runner by any stretch of the imagination. Short sprints come naturally to me, however. That's why after we took a moment to catch our breath, I got excited. Frederick announced our next exercise, wind sprints across the training yard. It wasn't supposed to be a race, and by all means it wasn't, to everyone else at least. I'm overly competitive over things that in the grand scheme, don't matter, It's one of my many flaws.

We lined up shoulder to shoulder at the furthest end of the yard. When the wary knight signaled for us to begin, I took off, arms and legs pumping like pistons in an engine. I'd like to say I wasn't looking in my peripheral vision to see if I was "winning," but that would be a lie. I finished first, Sully next, Vaike third, and Robin last by some margin. A goofy smile spread across my face as I watched her finish.

I couldn't help but 'encourage' her, "What's the matter Thunder Goddess, sprints not your style?" I scoffed, "That's okay, you'll get there." I'll admit, it was a cheap shot seeing as she was too haggard to respond.

"Ooh Robin, the Vaike thinks that's a challenge. You gonna let that slide?" Vaike laughed with levity.

Robin just glared at Vaike and I. Moments later I felt a hand on my shoulder, it was Frederick's other hand on Vaike's shoulder, "Perhaps a lesson in humility is required… If you have the breath to run your mouth then you should surely have the breath to take another lap around the castle?" Fucking karma.

Vaike and I just groaned and took off. The second lap was much worse than the first, my legs were jelly when we got back. The moment we returned, I retched into a nearby bush; when I was done Frederick approached, wood spear in hand.

"Your display of swordsmanship at the fort was pathetic, you will be training with this until we find the time to train you with swords." The knight intoned.

Between haggard breaths I replied, "Sounds good, boss man." At least spears aren't complicated.

Sully and Robin were already sparring with training swords. Sully definitely had the size and reach advantage over Robin, but that didn't stop Robin from ducking from the wide arc the red-head tried to cut at her arm. Robin swiftly closed the distance and capitalized, her training sword slid across Sully's stomach, And just like that the match ended.

"Hah! You've got some nice moves!" Sully laughed, between breaths.

Robin flashed her a smile, "You're one to talk Sully, you had me more times than I knew how to deal with."

Vaike and I lined up across from one another. His training axe at the ready, he half crouched into a fighting stance. Readying my wooden spear, I followed suit. I spread my legs shoulder width apart, and bent my knees slightly. I wasn't too confident in my ability to win against Vaike, he's probably much stronger than I am, I let out a sigh and waited for Frederick to signal for us to start. When he did, Vaike rushed me. I jumped to the left away from a swipe intended for my midsection. Planting my feet I shot a thrust at his chest, Vaike batted it away easily. My momentum went with the spear. Off balance now Vaike scored a hit on my left arm. I stumbled back and began rapidly sending haphazard strikes at the muscle bound blonde. I could tell he was overwhelmed at first, but eventually my attack faltered. Vaike jumped at the first opportunity he saw, and planted a boot on my solar plexus. It knocked me flat on my back. I was defeated.

"You gave Teach a run for his money, too bad you couldn't finish the job." Vaike bellowed, reaching a hand out.

I took his hand, "Thanks man, turns out never having any training isn't good for winning fights." I replied, fighting for air.

"No training? Could've fooled me," Vaike questioned, "Sure ya ain't up to snuff just yet, but you did better than someone with no training."

Frederick approached, "How curious, you claim to have no training, yet you handled your sparring far better than expected for one of your skill level?" Frederick queried, a wary look on his face.

I replied quickly, "I-I mean I used to do some cage fighting, I don't know how well that translates though…"

Frederick's eyes narrowed further, "Cage fighting?"

Realizing once again I'm in fantasy land, I explained, "Yeah, like uhh, boxing and wrestling all at once?" Why can't I look him in the eye? Seriously intimidating.

Vaike chimed in "Oh, the Vaike gets it, like an arena fighter."

"Yes! Exactly like that… I think, but no weapons." I beamed, secretly thanking Vaike for the save.

After that conversation ended we grouped up once more, Frederick began his own workout and left us to exercise how we pleased. Robin, Sully and Vaike moved to work with the only three training dummies we had. I decided calisthenics were the best way to go and went to work with push-ups, sit-ups, and the like. It wasn't 'til I started doing flutter kicks that I noticed the stares I was garnering.

Robin spoke first, "W-what are you doing? You look ridiculous laying on the ground like that." Incredulity spread across her face.

"Working out?" I grunted in reply, "Flutter kicks build your core."

Sully spoke next, "And how do you know this?"

"Experience." I replied simply.

Vaike was about to chime in when Stahl called out to us from the barracks' door, "Come and eat, breakfast is ready!"

Grateful once again the questioning ceased. I called back, "On my way!"

I got up and dashed into the common room, I forgot how sore my legs were and stumbled halfway there. When I reached the bar and sat down, Stahl set a plate of food in front of me. It looked delicious, fluffy scrambled eggs were only the beginning. Sausage links were stacked on the side of the plate, rounding out the meal were pan-fried potatoes. I'm in heaven.

I quickly thanked Stahl for the food and dug into it. Every so often I would glance up from inhaling my food to see the rest of the training group doing just the same. Stahl, you are a beautiful, beautiful man. When my plate was clean, Stahl took it. Deciding now was as good of a time as any I decided to test one of the couches by the fireplace. I quickly started dozing. This place isn't too bad.

The front door opened with a creak, interrupting my impromptu nap. I narrowed my eyes at the door and looked to see who the offender was. Chrom stepped into the barracks, Frederick close behind.

Chrom looked around the common room for a moment before speaking, "Good everyone is here," The Prince began. "I just got out of a meeting with the council, with the threat of the Risen appearing all over Ylisse. We will begin marching north to Regna Ferox later today, take the next few hours to prepare. This mission is completely voluntar-"

The crash of metal against stone rings through the barracks as a hastily dressed Sumia emerges from the hallway and falls flat on her face, a weak groan escapes her lips, "Ouch!… I-I'll go!"

Chrom rushes to pick her up with concern ripe on his face, "That's good," he looks at the rest of the gathered Shepherds, "Anybody else?

Quickly everyone confirmed that they would be going, save myself. My dreams from last night invade my thoughts. There's no way in hell I can deal with more fucking zombies. Standing from the couch I walk over to Chrom.

A nervous breath leaves me, "I think I'm gonna sit this one out…" I decide that the floor is very interesting to look at right now, "I'm no good in a real fight right now."

Chrom placed a hand on my arm and gave me an understanding look, "That's fine Nik, Just take your time here and train for the next time we march."

Pure relief flows through me, "… Thanks Chrom…" I replied, my voice just a hair above a whisper.

Quickly after our conversation Chrom, Frederick, and Robin departed to plan. The rest of the Shepherds in the barracks were a whirlwind of swords, armor and other implements. I could have sworn I'd seen a floating spear at one point. I helped gather what I could to load the carts for their month-long excursion to the north. Eventually however, it came time for them to leave, I waved to them and wished them well. Holding up the rear of the formation was Frederick sitting atop Freya.

I nodded at him, "Best of luck to you Frederick."

He stared back, and stated "We will return when our task is complete," Reaching down to pat Freya's head he continued, "I have prepared a training schedule for your time here, there is also a manual of arms for the lance. I expect you to train daily, and at least attempt to practice and become competent with the lance. Is this understood?"

I nodded, "Yes sir."

Frederick left without another word, and just like that I was alone. A chill ran down my spine. This is the first time I haven't had someone around since I got here. I didn't like it.


The next two days passed without incident, I woke up, followed Frederick's training routine, and read the manual he left me. But today was gonna be different, feeling a bit stir crazy, I decided to explore the castle grounds. After my exercise for the day of course, the exercises still left my muscles sore, but I could tell it was getting easier. Before I left to explorer I decided walking around castle grounds looking and smelling the way I did was in poor form. First problem, I don't know where a bath is, No one ever told me before they took off, to be fair I never asked either. Second problem, would I even be allowed to use them? Even if I am a Shepherd, I am for all intents and purposes a commoner. I perished the thought and washed up in a trough of water outside the barracks.

When I took a step out of the secluded area of the castle's grounds that held the Shepherd's barracks I was surprised to see only the occasional guard pass by, presumably on their way to or from their post. The front lawn for lack of a better term of the palace was beautiful, hedges lined branching stone paths, every so often they were broken up by blue and yellow flower patches. I chose one of the stone paths and followed it, eventually after hearing the whinny of horses, I came upon a stable. The stable itself was remarkable, constructed out of stone, with two levels that had wooden gates for each of the many stalls. Why would a stable need two levels?

I walked into the structure. Inside the stable was almost as impressive as the outside, wooden stalls that were mostly empty lined a main hall. As I toured the stable some things seemed odd from what I knew about horses. The stalls were much bigger than a horse would need typically. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted movement. One of the stalls was not empty, so of course, I approached. I've always been a fan of animals, you don't have to worry about them being rude unless provoked. Animals don't keep secrets or slap you when you've just about died, for that matter. When I saw what was inside the stall my face blanched. Inside the stall stood what would be a normal white horse, except it had feathered wings. That's a fucking pegasus. I knew I was in fantasy land but… shit man. I stood there stunned, staring it in its eyes. After a moment, curiosity got the better of me, I held my hand out for the pegasus to inspect. The winged-horse let out a snort, I took that as permission to stroke it snout.

"What's your name, big guy?" I cooed to the creature, "You're lovely you know that?"

I felt something sharp press into my back, "What are you doing here?" A woman's voice growled behind me, "Step away from Aurora!"

"I-I'm sorry! Don't hurt me please!" I yelped, much to my embarrassment.

Slowly, the point retracted from my back. "Turn around, slowly."

I complied without a word. Turning slowly the woman accosting me came into view. Gorgeous red hair flowed from her head, she wore what was the equivalent of an armored dress, just a shade darker than her hair. Thigh high riding boots covered most of her legs. She would be the second most beautiful woman I'd seen since arriving in Ylisse if it were not for the spear she held, ready to run me through at any moment.

If looks could kill I'd be very dead right now.

She lowered her spear slightly, "State your name and your business in the castle aerie." She growled.

Finally, composing myself slightly, I started to explain, "I-I'm Nikolas, I'm a S-shepherd." She lowered the spear completely, "I was just exploring the castle grounds. I didn't mean to upset anyone…" I gazed to the ground, "So yeah, what's your name?"

The red-head's gaze softened as she took my words in, "A Shepherd? hmm…"

"Yeah… like Prince Chrom?" Her eyes narrow on the mention of his name.

The red-head rolled her eyes, "I'm aware of the Shepherds Nikolas."

This is awkward… and mildly infuriating, "Um okay… so yeah, your name was?" I asked, growing tired of this conversation.

She snaps back to reality, "Oh yes, sorry. My name is Cordelia, I am a Pegasus Knight in service to the exalt."

"Pegasus Knight?" I query, realizing moments later how dumb of a question that was.

Cordelia's eyes roll once again, "I am a knight, who rides a pegasus," she continues, annoyance growing, "If you have no business here, then I must ask you to leave, we are very busy here."

Who is we? There is literally not another soul in this building.

"Sorry, I didn't realize I was interrupting all of what you have going on here." Sarcasm rich in my tone.

I received a glare in response.

Realizing that this is the first conversation I've had since the Shepherds left two days ago, I did something arguably very stupid.

Backpedaling quickly, I stammer, "Sorry that was uh-rude… Umm… Do you think you would maybe like to show me around?" I began awkwardly, "I'm sorta new around here, and I have no clue where anything in Ylisstol is…" My eyes were planted firmly on the ground halfway through that sentence.

Cordelia scoffs at me, "How bold of you!" Eyes narrowing she continues, "What part of this conversation made you think I would want to do that?"

I flash her a sheepish smile, "The part where you didn't stab me maybe?"

Cordelia screws her face up in thought, damn she's cute. The seconds feel like an eternity while I wait for her response.

"I cannot-" she replies.

Rejection stings my body. Not the first time a girl said 'no' Nik, just brush it off.

I cut in quick, "Oh yeah, that's fine… You're probably really busy-"

Cordelia takes her turn to cut me off, "If you would not so rudely interrupt, you would know that I was going to say that I cannot at this very moment, I am on duty, meet me at the castle gate in two hours, and I would be glad to help you out." she assures, a slight smile forming on her cherry lips.

Well that's a change of heart and a half.

"Well that's not- I mean yeah! Alright I'll meet you there!" A stupid smile forms on my face, I immediately turn to run past her, "See ya later Cordelia,"

Cordelia cocks her head to the side as I run back, "See you some other time Aurora!" I chirp, petting the pegasus one last time, then taking off.

That same stupid smile stays on my face as I run back into the castle grounds, That went a whole lot better than I thought it would. For all intents and purposes it really did, my short time exploring, led to me making a potential friend. Wait… did I just ask her on a date?.

"I am such an idiot." I groaned, to the empty courtyard.

Following the path I remembered to get back to the barracks left me lost. Only my dumb ass could get myself lost in a enclosed space. I however, manage to find the main castle gate and take a seat somewhere off to the side of it.


Two hours pass by before I know it. If I had to guess it would be around four o'clock. I dozed on and off while I waited for Cordelia to be relieved for the day. I didn't think about much in that time, it's not that I don't have anything to think about, my mind is just blank. When it comes time for Cordelia to show I have dozed off again.

Cordelia's voice brings me out of it, "Nik?"

I open my eyes slowly to reveal Cordelia, her chest plate is gone and replaced by a white jacket over her normal clothing. Her scarlet hair is pulled into one neat braid that falls down her shoulder. She looks amazing. I am bold, Aren't I?

"Oh, hey Cordelia, you ready?" I asked, sleep still in my voice.

She gives me a smile, "I believe I should be the one asking you that," Offering me a hand she continues, "There are surely better places to sleep than here."

I take her hand graciously, "Well… you know, perhaps I got tired of waiting, and fell asleep?" I joked.

Cordelia chuckled, "Against a stone wall?"

Now fully standing I gave her a sheepish smile, "Point taken… Anyway, where to?"

Cordelia led me around the castle grounds. Showing me the Guards' barracks, Pegasus Knight's barracks' and most importantly to me at least, the bath house. Thank god, I thought I was going to bathe in rainwater for the rest of the month. Eventually as the light began to fade from the sky, we returned to the castle gate, and my stomach growled.

Cordelia shot a glance my way, "Hungry, are we?"

I scratched the back of my head and smiled, "Maybe just a little bit." I haven't eaten all day.

She gave me a warm smile and motioned for me to follow, "I know a place we can fix that, it's not too far from the castle either!" and led me out of the castle gate.

I tried to interject, "But-" However, she was already gone, all I could do is follow.

I had to jog to catch up but I followed Cordelia. True to her word we quickly reached a small restaurant. The restaurant itself wasn't too much to look at, but it had a quaint sort of charm to it. On its front there was a sign depicting a crescent moon. Its name was The Eclipse. To make a rough comparison, I'd say it's like the diners I had back home. When we entered, only a few tables had people sat around them. Cordelia found us a booth in the far corner of the dining space, I sat across from her.

Silence hung heavy between us as we looked for anything to talk about. We had already made all the normal small talk one does during the first few hours of knowing each other. Cordelia had already spoken to a barmaid we passed on the way in, so I doubted having to actually order anything.

One thing came to mind, "What's it like?", I asked.

Confusion grew on her face, "What is what like?" She parroted.

"Being a Pegasus Knight." I clarified, a look of wonder on my face.

Her eyes beamed up at me, "I love it more than anything. The freedom of the skies, the feeling of the wind through my hair, it is everything to me…" She trailed off, her shoulders slumped as a distant look grew in her eyes.

I cocked my head to the side, "What's wrong? You seem sad."

Cordelia sighed, "It's nothing really…" she replied

Trying to bring some levity to the now clearly upset woman in front of me, I smiled, "Nothing, huh?" I narrowed my eyes slightly, "Nothing wouldn't put that look on your face."

Her eyes focused on mine, "How observant of you." Cordelia noted dryly.

I gave her another smile, "Well? Want to talk about it?" I asked, "I know we don't really know each other, but I'd like to think we're friends now." I added quickly.

At that moment a barmaid came and sat two mugs of some kind of alcohol on our table, followed by two plates with some kind of roasted meat on it.

Cordelia snatched the mug closest to her and took a swig, "I love my sisters in arms more than anything," she started, "However, and I know this is childish of me to think, but I wish it felt like they liked me more…"

I brought my hand to my chin, "What do you mean 'Like you more?'"

"When you came into the Aerie today, you noticed how empty it was, yes?"

My brows furrowed, "Of course I did, only you and Aurora right?" I asked, knowing damn well that they were the only ones there.

Cordelia sighed, "Correct, that would be because we had a training exercise today."

I screwed my face up in confusion, "And you weren't with them?"

Her gaze drifted to her lap, "They didn't tell me… and I got in trouble with the commander."

"Why would they not tell you?" I pressed.

"They constantly do these things… I do everything to the best of my ability." Cordelia's brows furrow as she gets heated, "And all I receive from them is incessant teasing and beratement."

I looked Cordelia in the eye, "I'm sorry to hear that Cordelia," barely above a whisper I continued, "If it's any consolation, I think you're pretty cool."

Whether she didn't hear me, or just didn't acknowledge what I said, I do not know. Cordelia just picked at her food, and took the time to try mine as well. We sat in silence once again. It wasn't long before I had eaten all I could, and just watched Cordelia pick at her food, that same sad look in her eyes.

"Hey Cordelia?" I began, breaking our silence.

Cordelia looked up at me, "Do you think it would maybe, just maybe be possible for me to ride your Aurora?" I asked, my voice faltering as each word came out?

Cordelia giggled in response, "And why would you want to do that?"

"Well, before today I'd never seen one, and it looks like fun?" I said.

Cordelia stood up, "Maybe someday Nikolas, It's not something to be taken lightly." She stated, "It's getting awfully late so we should return to the castle."

I gave her a nod in response and followed the red head out of The Eclipse.

We walked back to the castle in silence. The sun had completely been replaced by the moon at this point. The streets were sparsely lit by torch. All I could think about while we walked back was what Cordelia had told me in The Eclipse. She seems nice enough, of course I barely know her but, I don't see why the other Pegasus Knights would be rude enough to her for it to affect her to this degree. I looked at the woman in front of me. Bathed in moonlight, Cordelia's hair seemed like it had an ethereal glow. She stood tall, but the slight movements of her lips made it clear her thoughts were troubled.

By contrast, I was lost in myself, walking beside her quietly singing to myself, "Once I rose above the noise and confusion, Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion, I was soaring ever higher, But I flew too high…" Only stopping when I noticed Cordelia staring intently at me.

"I've never heard a song like that before." She mused.

I returned her gaze as my face reddened, "Oh really? It's pretty popular," I half lied. Not popular around here for sure, dumbass. "My mother used to sing it to me when I was young…" I said dejectedly.

Noticing my embarrassment, Cordelia smiled "I like it, it certainly has some appeal to it."

I nodded to her and stayed silent. She's gonna start thinking something's weird about you if you keep this up. Before long we reached the Shepherds barracks. Thank god she brought me here, I thought I was going to search the entire castle ground for it.

I turned to Cordelia and smiled, "Thank you for showing me around, all of the Shepherds left before they got a chance to."

Cordelia flashed a smile back, "It was no issue. Hopefully next time we won't meet under such hostile circumstances."

I laughed and scratched the back of my head, "That certainly would be an improvement, getting impaled isn't my favorite pastime." Ugh… Why am I so awkward.

I continued, "Well you must be getting tired, but I had fun tonight, we should hang out again sometime."

She raised an eyebrow, "Hmm… I think I would like that as well, you certainly are an interesting one." she turned to leave, "Goodnight Nikolas."

I threw up a hand and waved her goodnight, "Goodnight, Cordelia."

I stayed outside until she was out of sight. Stupid thoughts filled my mind, I still have no clue if that was a date. Do they even go on dates in Ylisse? Probably better not to think about it. On that note I walked into the barracks, and made my way to my room.

I fell into a dreamless sleep for the first time in what seemed like forever. Maybe this place isn't all bad.


So, obvioiusly Cordelia isn't supposed to show up for a while, but I figured Nik had to have something to do for the month that the Shepherds were in Ferox. The latter part of this chapter is meant to serve as a set up for the upcoming arc.

But anyway, Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed!

TH3D4N1S4M- You're welcome?

UDtimburrhog- THanks for the feedback, I tried to implement it in this chapter. Not sure how well I succeeded in that endeavor but thank you none the less.