(Heh. And so our merry little tale reaches our first checkbox on things to fix: the argument with Alm. The sapphire flames of inspiration are burning, so let us commence.)
Zofia Castle. My, how it had aged since Celica first lived within its walls. As Celica entered its halls, she was overcome with nostalgia. Memories came rushing back, both good and bad. Roscara folded her arms behind her head, her expression her standard blank gaze. "Pretty. Very nice, very regal. A bit lacking in that special personal touch, but it probably functions just fine, so who am I to judge?" Celica was glad Roscara, whom everyone nicknamed Rose, was finally around other people. Though getting her into a social setting has proved difficult because it's hard for average people to approach her and she's usually cold and dismissive when she speaks.
But that could wait for later. Celica knew her childhood crush was in this castle, and that he was most likely a soldier of Zofia. Normally she'd be proud of him for standing up for what he believes, but every war has casualties, and she didn't want her nightmare on the island to become real. Every turn she saw people raising a toast to Alm, or excitedly telling of his deeds. She just hoped he was still here. She came to the stairway, and Rose patiently waited for her. No plans to move from her spot till she returned visible in her eyes. Celica walked on up, but as her childhood joy came racing back to her, that walk became a run as she bolted up the stairs.
At last, standing in the daylight was Alm. He too had grown much since she left Ram Village. He was carrying a crate of oranges. Overcome with happiness, she ran towards him. "Alm!" She was so excited she had practically tackled him with a hug, causing him to spill the crate's contents everywhere, but that wasn't important right now. She was finally reunited with him, and that's all that mattered in her world at the moment. "C-Celica...?" Alm questioned, at a loss for words himself. "I'm so glad to see you again." And she found that Alm quickly returned her embrace. Here in the sun's warm glow, everything was just as it should be.
The two of them traded stories about all that had happened over the years, and eventually made their way to the present. "I will admit, I'm impressed. I've had my share of crazy lately, but taking on pirates? A dragon? It's amazing you did all that on your way here." Celica giggled, flattered by his words. "You have no shortage of feats yourself..." but then she trailed off. Now she had to discuss less pleasant matters. "But that actually raises a concern of mine. You're important to me, Alm. I don't want you getting hurt out there. I'm sure you are plenty strong, considering Grandpapa trained you, but are you certain you want to do this...?"
Alm understood her concern, but he felt plenty of confidence in his abilities. "Don't worry, Celica. It's not like I'm racing off to Rigel itself, this is just defense. Once we drive them off, it'll be over." Celica wanted to tell him about the dream, but she knew he probably wouldn't be discouraged by something so small. "I-I know that, it's just... Rudolf isn't the kind of man to take resistance lightly. Even if it's something so small. If he sees you as a threat..." Alm tried to reassure her. "I don't have such grand plans of going blow for blow with the emperor. I appreciate you're worried, but I was called to perform this duty. It'll help make our people happy again."
"But Alm, even if you did succeed, Mila would still be missing. Crops wouldn't grow like they should. We would have no conflict, that's great. But who knows if we're racing against the clock here to find the earth mother. You could join me. Maybe we could find her together." Alm shook his head. Sorry, Celica but I can't. This is the path I chose and the cause I've decided to pursue. Having Mila is wonderful and all, but plenty of the problems we've had here has come from over reliance. Whether it be Mila or Lima. Learning how to stick up for ourselves like this would definitely help the country a ton."
"Alm, this situation isn't as black and white as you think. The world isn't that simple. Mila could get them to leave peacefully. I've taken down Barth to help Zofia, that much is true, but he actively chose the path he did. I doubt many flying the Rigelian banner actually want this." She felt like they were so deep into this, but still getting nowhere. "No one wants war. But certain sacrifices have to be made. If Rudolf defied Mila once, he could most certainly try again. It's not an easy thing to accept, but it's the truth." Celica was starting to get fed up here. She was trying to save Alm, but he only seemed to reward her with doubt in Mila and the Rigelians alike.
"Why does it have to be you then!? If station of birth doesn't matter like your legends say, why can't Clive just lead this army!?" Alm sighed. "Unfortunately many don't see that. There's prejudice from both sides. Noble and common. The deliverance is proof that both factions can work together for a shared goal. If i could spread that message, I'll see to it I do." Celica was getting very frustrated, and Alm was starting to get tired of the conversation himself. "But look, there's a chance a princess survived. If she showed up and made all this better, I'd happily step down. But as it is, that hasn't happened yet."
That was the last straw there. Celica was too emotionally confused to continue. "Don't put faith in such a ludicrous myth. If you wanna fight your war, fine! But I'm going to focus on a more important goal. Then if you're still breathing when all is said and done you can tell me if you feel satisfied." She stormed off, leaving Alm puzzled by her making such a big deal of this. At the bottom of the stairs, Rose was still there. She said nothing as she walked by the pessimistic warrior, and they exited the castle to continue on their quest.
(Ah, that feels much better, doesn't it? Everything seems much more clean and reasonable in the progression of the argument. Hope you all enjoyed it too.)