Interlude – Farewells
Life in Silesse is almost timeless. It's quiet, peaceful. Even though we hear of the tensions slowly building, even though we know there's a civil war on the horizon, everything remains still and calm. So, we just… rest. We rest. We heal. We tease each other silly. We raise the children. We pretend that there is no fighting, and that there won't be any fighting again. Honestly, it was almost complete bliss. I missed Deirdre. I missed Arvis. But their absence was the only 'bad' part of life here. I could spend the rest of my days like this, and I'd die happy and content.
It was very strange. I'd never been quite so happy before. But I enjoyed it.
I smiled as I read the latest letter from Arvis, taking comfort from the familiar writing. Communication was limited, and on so small of letters, but Queen Rahna thought it sad that we couldn't contact our families and did what she could. The result was somewhat regular letters, thankfully, and thus, my lord brother's reassurance that things would be fine. I wasn't the only one. Not only did I continue getting letters from Diadora, but Arvis also wrote semi-regularly to Azel and Sigurd as well, and Tailtiu actually got letters from her siblings, though Bloom had urged her to be careful sending more, since he did live in the same estate as their father. But we had contact, and hope. It was as good as anything could be, and I loved it.
"What's got you amused?" Ayra asked, smiling at me from her plush chair. She was breastfeeding Conall, while Caitriona curled up for a nap with Ulster and Larcei in the nearby craddle. It was easier on everyone when the children napped at the same time, though Lester was likely curled up with Aideen, since Aideen was still recovering. We nearly lost her, and her baby, but thank everything for Adelaide, the midwife Queen Rahna recommended to us. "Good news from home?"
"I think it's more 'silliness'," I corrected, laughing softly. I blinked a few times as my mind dragged itself out of the letter and back into the small study where Ayra and I were resting. Morning sunshine streamed in through the windows, gently warming everything. Silesse's summers were still cool by my standards, but there was something 'warm' about them nonetheless. "He's begging for information about Caitriona and Conall. I think he's already got gifts for them, and he's trying to hide it."
"Such a doting big brother. Reminds me of Mariccle."
"Ah, I'm sorry..." I knew it had to hurt that she couldn't show her twins to her brother, or that they likely wouldn't see Isaach for a long while. "I shouldn't have..."
"No, no. I asked. Mariccle would scold me if I let his death dampen my own happiness, and the happiness around me." She wiped Conall's mouth as he finished eating and tucked him into the pile of twins. Caitriona and Ulster immediately curled into Conall, sleepily making sure he had hugs too. "Aw, it's so cute."
"It is." I glanced through Arvis's letter again, smiling at how he admitted he was falling for Diadora, just as Azel suspected. He asked if I'd be mad if he courted her, since I'd only written to her. I planned on reminding him that he still had not met Chulainn. "Thanks a lot for nursing them, Ayra."
"Hey, you handle my portion of diaper duty in exchange. I think I got the better deal, personally."
"My twins woke you up this morning."
"Larcei was fussing already. It's fine." She smiled reassuringly at me before carefully rocking the cradle. The four children squirmed a bit at the movement, but fell back to sleep before long. "Though, I do say Lex and Chulainn can handle more of the diapers."
"Neither try to run or anything. You and I just tend to be closer, because you nurse them and I check their health." I folded my letters very small and tucked them into my pocket, deciding to read the one from Diadora later. I knew it would have more questions, and I wanted to take my time with reading and answering them. "Besides, Lex is helping us set up Azel and Tailtiu, remember?"
"That's very true. And Chulainn teaches Shanan." She still made a face, and I found myself laughing again. "Oh, whatever. Do you mind if we open the window?"
"We can see if the kids agree." I stood up and went to the window, but I paused instead when I saw Lachesis and Finn walking through the gardens. While both were smiling and laughing, I could see the sadness and nervousness hanging over them, and I knew why. I hated it.
Since Aideen had given birth, and was confirmed to be recovered, Quan had no more excuses to avoid leaving. He had to leave within the next couple of weeks to make sure he didn't get caught by the weather, and Ethlyn and Finn would leave with him. It had been announced a few days ago, but I knew Finn had told Lachesis himself. I also knew that neither really wanted to leave each other, but Finn had to return and Lachesis didn't want to leave the army right now. She was making progress with her 'Master Knight' training, and she could only really continue it here, since the army was filled with so many people who could teach her.
"She was just getting her smile back when Quan revealed they'd have to leave." Ayra came up behind me, and rested a hand on my shoulder, looking at the young couple too. "I worry for her," she whispered. "I've been trying to support her, but I don't know what to do. I don't think she knows what she wants. All I can do is hug her and help distract her."
"It's a sad situation," I murmured. Though, at least she had warning with this parting. Deirdre's disappearance still weighed heavily on my heart. "My main worry is that they'll part with all this hanging over them, though."
"I'm not sure they've talked much about it."
"They need to." Fussing caught both of our attentions, and we turned to see Larcei had woken up, and was beginning to cry. "Oh, dear."
"Never a dull day when you have a one year old, and five babies in the army." Ayra grinned and I laughed. Neither quite chased away the sadness or worry, but it was close enough that we could pretend. We couldn't do anything, after all. "Well, let's see what's bothering my girl this time, yes?"
"You say that like she's always complaining."
"She is! Girl knows what she wants in life and knows she's not getting it!"
"Yes, yes. Let's check her out."
After Chulainn finished with teaching Shanan, he insisted on watching the twins. Shanan and Oifeye always ended up helping him, and Lex joined in before long along with Azel and whoever else they snagged. Despite Ayra's 'complaints', Lex and Chulainn were very devoted to their children and were determined to not leave the full burden of raising them on Ayra and me. The few times a parent wasn't available, someone else in the army was more than happy to watch them. I half-thought about staying with them today, as today was when we were introducing Seliph to Caitriona, Conall, Ulster, and Larcei, but I'd decided that if someone needed a healer, they'd know where to find me. In the mean time, there were many medicines we needed to replenish.
"Ah, so we've taken over tending to the nearby villages?" I asked Claude, checking inventory. That certainly explained why we were suddenly so low on a lot of essentials. "You're heading out now for that, yes?"
"Yes, Lewyn is accompanying me, as usual," Claude answered. He fussed with his coat and gloves, frowning a bit as he tried to get them on over his robes. Silessian clothing was made much heavier than Edda ones. "Unless you wish to go?"
"Sadly, I'm not sure I'm quite recovered for that sort of exercise." I began setting out herbs on the table to prep to make medicine. "If you can gather some of the local remedies, though?"
"I was planning on that, certainly." He smiled, laughing. "It's so refreshing working with someone who actually knows what they're doing."
"It's weird in my eyes. I'm used to teaching!"
"Ah, yes, speaking of teaching…" His cheer faded for a serious look. "Aideen is learning how to use tomes from Azel. I already know a little bit from my own studies, before deciding that the path of a healer suited me. Would you like to learn as well?"
"Now, when would I have the time to do that?" I said the words like a joke, but truly, my stomach turned a bit at the thought of hurting something. "Perhaps it is silly, but…"
"I understand." His smile told me he really did. He, like me, was a healer. He might know how to use tomes, but he disliked hurting people, just like me. "I was asking mostly for your protection."
"I have a couple of offensive staves." Though, it did remind me of the one who had kidnapped Deirdre. He had resisted it. It did make me terrified to try to use them again, but Silence had worked on Chagall, at least. "Besides, the only ones I'm afraid of… I don't think magic is all that effective against them."
"The dark mages…" Claude's smile faded again for a dark look. "There's been nothing from them here. They don't seem to be involved."
"Are you certain?"
"Fairly. There is no feeling of darkness here. Only war."
"I see." I wasn't so certain, but those of Blaggi's blood were blessed, or cursed, with 'truer' sight, perhaps to 'balance' how the Valkyrie Staff held so many caveats for being used. That was why they could see the future. "Well, I shall take your word for it. I only really know how to heal."
"And how skilled you are at it!" He smiled again, this time proudly. "A shame we are not in Grannvale. I'd have you officially registered as a 'high priestess' at this point."
"You're too kind, Claude."
"It's no kindness. It's a representation of your skill." He paused and then laughed a bit. "Goodness, I keep going off on tangents. I brought up the teaching thing not only because I was curious if you wanted to learn tomes. Tailtiu and Erinys have mentioned wanting to learn staves. Do you want to teach them?"
"That does sound like fun." It would give me more opportunities to tease them as well. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all." He grinned, a distinctive mischievous light in his eyes. He knew exactly why I thought I'd find it fun, and for all his calm maturity, he enjoyed a good prank now and then. "It lets me have more excuses to visit the nearby villages."
"You're much happier as a simple village healer, aren't you?"
"Well, I do like not having to worry about politics." His smile softened. "But, well, I am of Crusader descent. We have a duty to defend the people, particularly those who inherited the Major Blood."
"Arvis said something like that once, I think." I couldn't remember the exact phrase, but it was something like 'crusader blood means we must champion the people'. He used it as a means of encouraging me on my path as a healer. "Still, I'm content with my healing."
"As am I. There is something fulfilling in being able to see someone get better."
"Very."
"Claude, you in here?" Sylvia poked her head inside then, and seeing us, she skipped over to me to give me a hug. "Hi, Alicia~!" she half-sang before focusing on Claude again. "Anyway, Claude, we need to get going. We're going to be late!"
"Ah, are you accompanying us as well, Sylvia?" Claude asked. He paused and looked at her clothing. "Do… you need to steal change?"
"Hmm?"
"Forgive me, but aren't you dressed in only your underwear?"
"It's my dancer's outfit!" Sylvia huffed, pouting. I had to bit my lip to keep from laughing. I was so used to her outfits now that I didn't even think about it, but she did still show a lot of skin despite the chill. "It's like you wearing your robe's as a priest. Lewyn and I are going to perform for the villagers to help cheer them up!"
"And… you're not cold…?"
"Nope! My heart burns with passion!" She giggled, all annoyance forgotten, and she took his hand. "Come on! Lewyn is waiting!" She dragged him out then, with him yelping and protesting while she sang a little song.
Giving in to my amusement, I laughed as they left and went back through the inventory. Carefully, I picked through and set everything up to make some of the more important medicines, like headache remedies and muscle relaxants. I had just settled down to start actually making them when the infirmary door opened again. I looked up, expecting someone with a minor injury, and saw Lachesis hesitantly walking in, and knew that something was wrong. She was far too pale, and it was not like her to be so tentative around me.
"Um… I don't…" she began. She spoke quietly, almost too soft to hear, and she looked down at the floor. "I don't suppose you have work for me to do?"
"Well, there is always something to do here," I replied. I studied her, though, and shook my head. "However, it is my opinion that you don't need the work. You need to talk." I gestured for her to sit down at the table with me. "Come on. I think you're thinking yourself in a knot."
"That… sounds about right." She sighed and sat down, not even pretending to protest. She immediately rested her face on the table and groaned. "I'm so exhausted."
"That's what happens when you think too much." I pushed the medicine-making things to the side, to make sure I didn't accidentally knock anything over. "Now, what are you feeling? Fear? Anxiety? Sadness?"
"All of the above?" She lifted her head just enough to rest her chin on the table instead. "I guess I should start with the simplest. I'm sad that he's leaving. I'll miss him terribly. But, I'm also terrified. He's leaving to do his duty. That's what Eldie did. And Eldie died. And, you know, I have the same thing going on with Quan and Ethlyn, who are leaving for the same reasons…" She sat up in her chair and pulled a bit at her hair. I watched to make sure she wasn't trying to yank it out. "I also feel a bit… it's like anticipated loneliness? Finn has been by my side ever since I joined the army. Ethlyn and Quan are practically my family. I feel lonely, even though they're not gone yet."
"I suppose it's harder because we've all been together for two straight years now." It felt unnatural to have someone just leave, even though we knew it had to happen. Quan had seriously stayed too long, and though he professed loyalty and devotion to Sigurd, it had to be bad for Leonster to associate itself with a 'traitor'. It would give Thracia an excuse, for instance, to ask for aid in their war. "Those are the simple things, you said. Is it the anxiety that gets you tied up, then?"
"…Yes…" She squirmed, a pale blush mottling her face now. She wasn't exactly proud of this part. "I mean; what if he stops loving me while he's away? Finds a prettier girl? A nicer one? It's not that I don't trust him. I do. But… I mean…"
"I don't think it's an unreasonable fear. You don't fear, say, him cheating on you. You fear he'll fall out of love. You fear that absence will make the heart go yonder, not grow founder."
"Yes." She drooped, dropping her head. "Which is pathetic."
"No, as I just said, I think it's a reasonable one. You're near the beginning of your relationship. You haven't been courting for…" I trailed off as I tried to piece it all together. "I don't think it has been even a year since you've confessed, and now, he has to leave for who knows how long. You'll only have infrequent contact from here on out." I had a little more to say, but I stopped when I noticed how she flinched at every other word. "Have you talking to Finn about any of this?"
"We… tried, but both of us got tongue-tied, and so we just..."
"You should." I reached across the table and squeezed her hands reassuringly. "Communication is key to relationships, Lachesis. I'm certain he's got many of the same fears."
"Well, maybe not the anxiety thing…"
"Lachesis, you are a very beautiful, very strong, and very kind girl." I gave her the best skeptical look I could. "You have many admirers. I can guarantee you that Finn is likely just as worried."
"Oh." She smiled sheepishly, but there was a light in her eyes now. "So, talk to him and… and keep at it until we managed it. Instead of stopping because of awkwardness."
"Yes." I let go of her hands and sat back in my chair. "I won't let you work here until you do, by the way."
"That's… fair. I need… I need to not run away." She took a deep breath and nodded before standing. "Okay. I can do this."
"Yes, you can."
"Right… right." She nodded again, and then came over to hug me. "Thanks, Alicia."
"Always, Lachesis." I hugged her back before nudging her towards the door. "Go on, while you have your momentum."
"Right!" She ran out the door, nearly tripping as she turned down the hallway.
I watched her leave, waited to make sure she didn't come back in, and then settled back in to make medicines. There wasn't much more I could do at this point. I'd given what advice I could. Now, I just had to hope.
"Oh, so that's how you change the diaper," Aideen murmured. She picked up Lester from the changing table and kissed his nose while I finished cleaning up the changing area of the nursery. It was naptime for everyone and Aideen had been watching, but I'd walked in on her attempting to figure out how to do... most of it. "Midir always does it for me, but he's out on patrol."
"Well, you have been resting," I pointed out. I took Lester from her briefly to double check he was clean before handing him back to Aideen. "You suffered postpartum bleeding, after all."
"I am so glad Adelaide insisted on having you double-check."
"So am I." I would've done it anyway, of course, but discovering that sooner was only a good thing. "Are you fully healed? You were well when I checked, but I don't think I gave you a clear?"
"You didn't, no. Adelaide came back to check in on me earlier this morning, and said I should be fine, but to continue being checked, just in case." Aideen shuddered. "I should've been more careful. My own mother died from postpartum bleeding."
"It's fine, Aideen. You're alive and will be fine. That's all that matters." It was a relief that Ayra didn't suffer from any post-birth complications, thus far. We were all keeping an eye out for postpartum depression, of course, but so far, none of us suffered it. "Regardless, we're talking of serious things while we have cute children around."
"Too true!" Aideen laughed and went to settle Lester among the other sleeping children. Though they'd been set up in their own spaces, at some point during their nap, the children all crawled together to cuddle together for some reason. It amused me that Seliph curled protectively around the others, being the bigger one. Today, he was closest to Ulster and Conall. "They're so adorable."
"They are." I began lighting incense to help clear the air of the smell, and opened a window to further clear up the room. The sound of arrows flying caught my attention and I leaned out to see Brigid practicing archery, as usual. Also as usual, King Jamke was with her.
"I'm half-tempted to set them up." Aideen joined me by the window, leaning out too. "Of course, I first want to make sure he's Brigid's type." She smiled and glanced at me. "You're still awkward around Jamke, aren't you? Despite it being… two years? Three?"
"I… suppose I still can't quite forgive him for nearly killing you, Shanan, Oifeye, and Finn." Though it could also just be habit. King Jamke and I had long since set up our schedules so that we didn't have to interact, save for the few times he got wounded enough to be treated in my infirmary. "But they could be a good couple. Brigid would have to weigh being queen of Verdane in that relationship, though."
"Oh, true." Aideen hummed a bit, tapping the windowsill. "Grannvale might object to Verdane gaining one of their Major Blooded, especially in light of the political situation. Then again, the political situation of… everything is complicated." Her eyes turned sad and she looked up at the clouding sky. "Father… I still can't believe Andrei killed him. I had wanted them to repair their relationship, not…"
"Maybe he simply believed the lies, Aideen." I had no idea how to reply. I might've lived in Jungby, but I didn't know much about Andrei. I only knew the rumors. So, I shifted the discussion slightly. "I must admit to being worried about the succession."
"That's true." Aideen closed her eyes briefly before returning her attention to me. "I have heard of a branch family living in Tahra, a city in the Manster District, but they'd have to do a lot of hunting to see if the Holy Blood remains."
"I didn't know there was a branch family."
"They were disinherited… oh, I believe seventy years ago? One of Heim's grandchildren eloped, and then tried to vie for the throne, so they were permanently barred from the line of succession. So, it would be a political mess to even bring them back."
"It's all a political mess now." I smiled wryly. "It would be convenient if Prince Kurth had a secret child born from one of those lovers he took in the past."
"True." She began giggling. "Oh, maybe Arvis has a half-sister who could become the queen?"
"Yeah, please never mention that in his presence. The whole thing with Cigyun and Prince Kurth is a sore spot." I sighed, hoping that those rumors weren't coming back. I wasn't around to help Arvis with it. "Arvis and I both believe that while Prince Kurth and Cigyun might've fallen in love, there was nothing sexual. It would've been incredibly dangerous, given how our father was."
"Your father committed suicide over it."
"My father was a hypocrite and he burns in hell where he belongs." My voice became tarter than I liked and I winced when I realized it. "I'm sorry. But, truly, my father would've been stupid enough to have killed Prince Kurth if he caught them. They would've had to have been very lucky, and luck was not a common thing in that household."
"Ah, I see." Aideen nodded, and she smiled gently, silently telling me to not worry about how terse I'd been. "I was more thinking that maybe Arvis could've used that to get a little more leverage to help us out."
"True, but even then, that would take time, perhaps more than the coup d'état is willing to give us." I knew Arvis kept pushing for Sigurd to wait, but I also knew Sigurd was growing antsy. Then again, just as Arvis said, the masterminds behind all of this were definitely counting on that reckless loyalty to hurt him. "Ah, we got serious again."
"We did. That's not fun."
"No, it isn't."
"Aideen? Lady Alicia?" Midir's voice made us both turn, and we smiled as he walked in. "Is everything all right?" he asked gently, setting his bow down. It was a Brave Bow, a birthday gift from Aideen, and it seemed to suit him well. It certainly let him keep up with the rest of our mounted forces. "You're both half-leaning out the window."
"We're debating whether or not to set up Brigid and King Jamke," I half-lied easily. Aideen giggled, winking to me. Our serious discussion… we'd keep that secret. "Did you need anything?"
"No, I just finished my patrol, and came to check in on my son." He flushed slightly at the words 'my son', and smiled gently. "Looks like he's fast asleep."
"He is, my love," Aideen replied with a laugh. She walked over to kiss his cheek and leaned into him. "Alicia had to help me change his diaper. How are you so good at that?"
"I have lots of practice," I pointed out easily. It amused me how easily Aideen showed affection, and how Midir still looked at her like he thought he was dreaming. "It's a convenient time to check their health, so I end up changing a lot of diapers. If you have trouble, ask Shanan for help. I taught him, and he's handled Seliph."
"I think I will." Aideen giggled, but then suddenly leaned back, looking at the door. "Ah, Lachesis! What brings you here?"
"Ah, sorry?" Lachesis poked her head in, smiling shyly. Her eyes sparkled, though, and her old spirit definitely shone through. "I was hoping to talk to Alicia," she explained. "Is she here?"
"I am," I replied, already heading to the door. I was a bit worried, considering our earlier talk. "Aideen, Midir, I leave watching the nappers to you!" I walked out and took Lachesis's hand before walking down the hall. "Did you have that talk with Finn?"
"I did!" She grinned at me, pleased, and squeaked when I playfully reached up to ruffle her hair. "It was awkward at first, but I kept at it, and he kept at it, and we managed to talk out most of the issues."
"That's good." I smiled in relief. "Did you come to report then?"
"Well… sot of?" She stopped walking, clasped her hands together, and looked at me pleadingly. "Favor?"
"What is it?"
"Basically, Finn and I both had similar fears, as you suspected, and after laughing, we were like 'well, why not do a promise thing' and Claude agreed, he was really into it actually, but he does say that we will need a witness?" She spoke very quickly, and it took me a few seconds to process it. "So, um…"
"You and Finn are going to marry right before he leaves?"
"Sort of. Like… it's proper, but we'll have a 'real' one when things settle down? It's probably closer to eloping than anything." She gave me an even more pleading look. "And I know it's weird, really weird, but Finn and I would really like it, and we'd also really like it if you-"
"Let's see about fancying up one of your dresses." I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her down the hall. She beamed at me, practically bouncing on her toes. "And it's short notice, but I might be able to make you a little veil as well."
"Oh, thank you!" She gave me a giant hug, nearly knocking me off my feet. "Thank you!"
"Yes, yes, we have to hurry, silly." This was going to be a testament to my sewing skills certainly. "Let's let Claude and Finn know, and then we'll work on the dress."
The ceremony had been simple, but rather pretty, considering everything. It had been close, but I had managed to get the dress and veil done, just as I said, and even managed to braid some flowers into her hair and get her a bouquet. Claude had managed to get the small church decorated with flowers and scented candles to make it seem warm and special, and Finn, most surprisingly, had actually managed to secure rings, though we would have to resize Lachesis's a little, later. All in all, it was a lovely little memory and it was enough to warm my heart, even when it came time for Quan, Ethlyn, and Fin to leave at last.
"You had best be careful on the road," I warned, hugging Quan goodbye. While we had the 'official' farewells last night, Sigurd and I had woken up especially early to see them off. At the moment, he was saying goodbye to Ethlyn, so I talked to Quan. Finn was checking the horses. "It's barely dawn."
"I'm not sure it is even dawn yet," Quan corrected, hugging me back. "Seriously, this is why we had all the goodbyes last night."
"I was up early because of Catriona and Conall anyway. I might not nurse them, but I do make sure they're okay. Chulainn is with them now." I pulled away and straightened his collar. "But seriously, be careful. You'll have to travel through part of Grannvale."
"No, we'll just be going around Grannvale. The Yied Desert is neutral territory. Targetting us within it will be a declaration of war."
"I suppose." Still, I worried, but perhaps more importantly, the fact that he was finally leaving made me remember something. It made me remember what Travant had said. "Quan, do you mind looking into something for me?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"It's something I heard from a patient, but it was something about Leonster nobles raiding Thracian villages and cutting down civilians?" I shrugged as he frowned. "There was also something about the tariffs being so high that people have to choose between food or medicine. I won't pretend to understand the politics or anything, but as a healer, the rumor is troubling."
"The tariffs are likely high because of the constant war, but that raiding… that's not something I know anything about." His frown deepened, troubled. "You're certain?"
"That is what my patient mentioned." I had to talk around the fact that Travant had been the patient, of course, so I hoped he didn't push more. "So, will you?"
"Certainly. I can't condone involving civilians in matters of war." He gave me another hug. "When I get a chance, I will look into it. I can't promise immediately, considering… everything, but I will. I promise."
"Thank you." I smiled apologetically as I pulled away. "I'm sorry to give you more to worry about."
"No, this is something I need to know." He glanced to the side, and smiled slightly. "Ah, looks like Ethlyn wants to switch now."
"Hmm?"
"Alicia!" Ethlyn caught me in a hug right then and I hugged her back instantly. Quan, for his part, left to say his goodbyes to Sigurd. "I'm going to miss you so much," she murmured, pulling away to smile at me. Her eyes shone with unshed tears. "Ah, asking you to help us was definitely the best decision I ever made."
"I'm glad you asked me," I whispered, struck by a sudden urge to cry. I hugged her again, and she returned it. "Be careful, okay? Don't do anything too reckless."
"I will. I promise." She let go again, but leaned up to whisper in my ear, cupping her hand around her mouth to make it extra secret. "Also, don't tell anyone, but I think I'm pregnant again?"
"You are?" I smiled, delighted, even as that made me worry even more. "Then please, be extra careful. I won't be there to help you."
"I'll be fine. Leonster has almost as good of healers." She giggled and winked. "But don't tell anyone, okay? I'm not certain. I just feel off and it's similar to how I felt when I was first pregnant with Altena."
"Of course." I took her hands and squeezed them. "If you can, please try to get a letter to me?"
"I will. Promise." A tear slipped down her cheek and she began laughing as she swiped at it. "Oh, shoot… I wanted to leave with a smile."
"I'm going to miss you too." I hugged her again. "Give my love to Altena?"
"Of course. I'll probably need to remind her where her favorite stuffed bear came from." She sniffed, and rubbed at her eyes as more tears fell. "Hopefully soon, things will be calm enough that I can bring her with me. I'm sure she'd love to see you again."
"I can't wait to see her too." I smiled at her. It took a surprisingly amount of control to not start crying too. "Ah, I can introduce her to Caitriona and Conall. Won't that be fun?"
"It would! I'm sure she'd adore them!" She giggled, though she did still cry a little. "Ah, I can't wait! It'll be fun!"
"It will." I noticed Finn was done getting the horses ready, and with a sinking feeling, I realized it was almost time for them to go. "Ah, I still need to say goodbye to Finn."
"Go on, go on! I'm just here being sappy!" She laughed, and gave me the most sincere smile I'd ever seen. "I mean it, though. Asking you to join us was one of the best decisions I've ever made."
"I meant my reply too. I'm glad you asked. Agreeing was one of the best choices I've made." Not quite sure what else to say, I simply gave her another hug and then walked over to Finn. I waited until he stepped out from behind the horses before moving to his side, though, mostly so that I could speak quietly to him. "So, Finn, did you enjoy your little honeymoon?" I had to cover my mouth to muffle my laughter when he instantly blushed. "I'm sorry. But I won't get to tease you for a while."
"A sad feeling, even if I don't like being embarrassed so much," he muttered, sulking. However, he hugged me tightly and I hugged him back. "Thank you. I know it was probably foolish, but it meant a lot to Lachesis and me, and to see you throw so much effort into it… that meant everything."
"Of course. Don't you remember?" I pulled away and poked his cheek. "You are my 'little brother'. I want you to be safe and happy. So be careful, okay?"
"I will. I promise." He smiled warmly at me. "I'm not sure when I'll be able to return, but I'll look forward to seeing you again, Alicia. You, Shanan, Oifeye, Lachesis… everyone. I'm sure it will be fine, and that we will all meet again."
"That's right. All we have to do is hold on until then." I hesitated a bit and decided to go with a whim that suddenly came to mind. "Here." Carefully, I took off the necklace I'd gotten from Hannibal's letter, the dragon's eye necklace, and slipped it on. "Wear this."
"Okay?" He studied it curiously, holding it up so that the light caught the gem. "It's pretty, but…"
"Think of it as a good luck charm, for now." I smiled up at him, just now noticing that he was taller than me now. When we met, he'd been shorter than me. "Think of it also as a reminder of your 'big sister', since I wear a bracelet that matches." I held up my arm for emphasis, so that he could see the bracelet I had gotten from Travant. "I'll explain more when I see you again, okay?"
"I'll wear it proudly, then." He looked down, smiling sheepishly. "I'm… not good with goodbyes, it seems."
"Haha, I don't think any of us are." I hugged him again, though, and he hugged me back. "Be safe. Be good. Have some confidence in your skills. All the standard farewell things."
"All the standard things." He laughed and nodded. "Until I see you again, Alicia."
"Until we meet again, Finn."
It was a bit of an awkward note to end, but somehow, that just felt 'right'. None of us were particularly eager to say goodbye or anything, and if not for duty, the three of them would be staying, and it was something we all knew. It was something that hovered over all of us as the three of them double-checked their packs and supplies, and double-checked that their horses were fine. Sigurd and I made sure to stay back, both to make sure we didn't spook the horses and to set the 'divide'. We were staying. They were leaving. That was just how it was for now.
"Ah, you'd better get going, or we'll never let you leave," Sigurd joked once they were all settled. His smile faltered, though, and he looked down, showing that he wished they didn't have to leave. "Please be careful, you three."
"Sigurd…" Quan began. He smiled softly at him. "Come on. You know me. I was always the careful one of us three, and I'll be extra cautious." He hugged Sigurd tightly, and Sigurd returned it, clinging. "As soon as I can, I will return to help, along with some of the Lanzritter. It'll be okay. I'll see you again."
"Yes, I know. I just…"
"Gods, we were just discussing this," Ethlyn laughed. She poked Quan away before hugging Sigurd. "Silly brother! It'll be fine. We'll be back before you know it."
"Right, sorry," Sigurd murmured. He clung to her tightly. "I'm just…"
"I know. I wish we didn't have to leave so soon after Deirdre's disappearance, and Eldigan's death. But we'll come back. And when we do, I'm going to tease you silly." She got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I love you, big brother."
"I love you too, my precious baby sister." He let go of her and stepped back. "Okay, seriously, leave now or I will not let you leave." There was a bit of laughter at that, but then they mounted up and, with one last wave, began riding away. Sigurd and I stood side by side in the courtyard, watching them disappear down the path and, before long, I found myself crying.
"Oh, this is ridiculous," I muttered as soon as I realized it. I wanted to cover my face to try and hide, but I also wanted to watch them until they were completely out of sight. "I can hold onto my calm through… anything. Yet here I am, crying."
"There's no shame in crying," Sigurd reassured. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and tugged me into a one-armed hug. "It just means you're sad to see them leave."
"I'm more annoyed that I can't stop crying." I rubbed roughly at my eyes, and Sigurd passed me a handkerchief. "A healer needs to control her emotions, you know."
"Well, you're not the healer right now, yeah? You're a friend saying goodbye… no, you're family saying goodbye to family."
"…Yes, I suppose I am." I was reminded, a bit, of the sadness I felt whenever Arvis left. But in this case, I had been with them for three straight years, roughly, so of course, the pain was greater. "Ah, I feel ridiculous." I looked up at him, and noticed her was crying. "Oh, you idiot. You could've mentioned you were crying too."
"Surprised you only just now noticed!" He grinned and I rolled my eyes before we both just started laughing at how ridiculous we were. "Ah, I do wish Lachesis had been here to say goodbye though."
"Oh, she already had her goodbye." Noticing that the three were out of sight, I walked away, smiling even as I wiped away my tears. I did need to check in on her. Mostly, I needed to make sure those two properly took those contraceptives I'd given them. I was a little worried they might not have. "Now then…"
"Why are you smirking?" Sigurd followed me into the castle, frowning. I passed him back his handkerchief, and he refolded it before drying his own eyes. "What do you know that I don't?"
"Many things, Sigurd. Would you like to know how to heal a person whose ribs have punctured their lungs?"
"That's not what I meant!" He sulked as I laughed. "Come on! Tell me!"
Sigurd continued trying to get the information out of me, but I didn't say a word. It was Lachesis and Finn's secret. She'd tell them when she had to.
Author's notes: Yeah, so at the beginning of Game-Chapter 4, Quan, Ethlyn, and Finn all leave the party. If Aideen talks to Midir (or Jamke) while married to him, she gifts her husband with the Brave Bow. (She has a similar talk with Azel, but I believe she receives a staff from it, maybe a Rescue staff?) Sylvia and Claude's talk is based a bit on their lovers talk in the same chapter. Arvis mentioning 'our crusader blood means we must champion the people' comes from one of his lines in FE: Heroes. Tahra, and the fact that the ruling family apparently has Naga Minor blood, is mentioned in FE5.
The Valkyrie Staff is the Holy Weapon of Blaggi, and it has the ability to resurrect a fallen unit, once, before breaking. While it can be repaired, it's quite expensive to do so. The Valkyrie staff's property of being able to resurrect a unit is shared by the Aum staff of Archanea and the Bifrost of Fates. However, it doesn't have as many restrictions as the Bifrost, though slightly more than the Aum staff.
(Fun fact: When Claude is trying to explain how the staff works to Tailtiu in game, he brings up quintessence, which isn't elaborated on in this game, but later played a large part in Fe7's plot)
Next Chapter – Interlude, First Snow
