The crashing waves and screaming seagulls poured over the milling crowds as a head of spiky pink shuffled through the masses. Sharp amber eyes glanced across bodies on display, drawing away from toned masculine pride or manly girth and lingering on the more appeasing curves of the fairer sex. Yet her usual antics were kept well in check as she searched high and low for her true prize - the siren of the beach with hair as blue as the deepest sea.
Soleil frowned and pulled down on her collar to let some much-needed air around her neck. The mesh between her collar and bikini top kept a nice, cool breeze flowing into her compact black and gold-trimmed bikini top. A matching, equally fit pair of modest swimmer bottoms hugged her hips and peeked out just beneath the white detachable skirt. She wiped her sweaty brow down with her black armband and brushed over her trusty headband while her other hand and the short white wrist guard pushed against her hip "Hmm...where did she go this time?"
"Pray, what has you so vexed on our sojourn, Soleil?"
A familiar voice drew Soleil from the crowds around her and over to her friend and fellow future retainer. She walked up to the wooden deck and the bustling tables surrounding it before she addressed the dark mage sipping on an exotic drink near the shade. "Hey, Ophelia - I'm looking for her again," the sword girl explained.
Despite trying to bury the hatchet between the two of them, Soleil simply couldn't help but ogle Ophelia's beachwear attire. It was actually somewhat more modest than her usual Dark Mage garb, though the sheer coverings over her body were exposed freely. Other modifications included the raised neckline, black trim around her bottoms, and trading her usual long gloves for a simple pair of bracers that smoothly wrapped over her knuckles. An exotic red flower perched askew in her hair completed her transformation from magister to beachgoer.
The mage crossed her arms beneath her rather bountiful chest and frowned. Her bracers rubbed together over her skin. Which included the slightly elongated one to conceal a rather striking mark she'd rather keep secret and safe. "Again? This is the fourth day in a row! There'll be scant time remaining for you to enjoy yourself," she lamented.
"Oh let her have her fun in her own way, Ophelia."
Before the two could divulge into a squabble, their third companion chimed in from her place in the alley next to the duo. Soleil and Ophelia watched with nonplussed reactions as Nina stepped out from behind some barrels and smoothly meshed her way onto the deck proper.
Nina had opted to go with a navy one-piece that closely hardened to her usual attire, right down to the skunk stripe that arched down the middle from her modest neckline. A hole around her belly button broke up the monotonous white and showed the very fringes of her pelvic curves. The crimson, frilled half skirt hanging off her hips was a perfect match for the towel draped over her shoulders - a near-perfect replica of her usual mantle. She retained her trusty belt and keys but opted to forgo her headband in favor of plaiting some local flowers up near her left ear and along the ends.
The duo blinked at their comrade, and specifically the peculiar tinted eyewear concealing her keen gaze. The outlaw set her usual book of lascivious ramblings back in her knapsack - compliments of the beach realm's resort as she joined the conversation. "We're all supposed to be enjoying ourselves, yeah? Well some of us do it in different ways."
"Yeah, what she said!" Soleil boasted with a puffed-out chest and her hands on her hips. The ever-present smile shined from her face and threatened to blind the duo over even the beaming hot sun overhead.
Ophelia rolled her eyes and took another sip of her drink before trying to respond. Nina beat her to the quick though, as she slid between her two Nohrian friends and draped her arms over their shoulders before turning to the pink-haired sword girl. "Although, if you're looking for your 'Siren'...perhaps I can be of assistance."
"...Tell me," Soleil demanded.
Nina grinned as she twisted in front of the pair. She deftly pulled out her book again and flipped to her desired pages with a certain flourish that would make even Ophelia's theatrics seem tame. "I've noticed her, and specifically a few key interactions here and there. Interactions from men that I have a very relevant interest in investigating further."
Nina snapped her book shut as she stared at Soleil. "So, if you help me in locating my targets...I'll help you find yours."
"Deal! Let's go already!" Soleil insisted before taking off. Nina chuckled before walking after the eager swords girl, who stopped long enough to let her friend catch up and wave farewell to the dark mage they'd left behind. "Later Phili - try not to get too sunburned," Soleil called back before she and Nina dissipated into the beach crowds.
Ophelia scoffed at the notion but glanced at her palm and the slight line of lighter skin just beneath her bracer. She repeated the process with her other hand before realizing a rather conspicuous absence. "...That fiend! She absconded with my tincture!"
"Soooo, who are we looking for, exactly?" Soleil stopped to ask as they neared one of the larger crowds.
Nina finished sipping her pilfered drink before setting it down on a nearby crate. She fished out her journal and thumbed through the pages as she explained. "I wrote them down in my book...they should be….here!"
The outlaw showed the page to Soleil, who glazed over long, convoluted theories on meaningless conversations and speculations till she found a chart with rough descriptors. "Tall, well-kept brunette with a chin that cuts glass...lean, compact, and loner type…wild blonde, big build, and swollen ego…Wow, you sure know how to pick 'em," she turned back to Nina with a flat expression.
Nina scoffed before taking her bok back. "Look, all three of these men have a tie to another man - a man I suspect of being himself tied to your Siren. So help me trail these men and we'll find your Siren in no time."
Soleil weighed her options. It was now very clear that she'd been roped in on yet another of Nina's tiresome fantasy crusades and was being expected to tag along. The only reward was the possibility of finding her long-sought Siren, with little guarantee that even that would be a success. On the other hand, she'd made zero progress in the last few days on her own, and at the very least Nina's theory was sound. "...Well, better than just aimlessly wandering around the beach all day - let's do it."
Nina beamed before turning to the last page. She quickly jotted down some things before ripping the paper out. She hastily gave the scrap to Soleil as her mouth went into overdrive. "Perfect! Okay, here's the plan…."
"Some plan this is, Nina…"
Soleil scanned the crowds again with a dour expression. Clutched in her hands was a spare quill and Nina's list. Specifically, the list of contacts from her list of men that had a tie to yet another man that had possible ties to her Siren.
What's better than aimlessly wandering the beach all day but to...endlessly wander the beach all day.
"Well, at least I have people to talk to now," she mirthlessly chuckled.
"Oh, pardon me."
"Huh?!"
Soleil snapped her head up and looked around. Her hand instinctively went for her side but found nothing but air. She winced at her own muscle memory of her sword's absence as she called out, "Who's there?"
No one answered over the crowds surrounding her. Soleil took one last look for someone, anyone that looked out of place, and found...no one.
"...Must have been the wind," she shrugged before turning to her list. "Now let's see who's first…"
"I cannot say I can help you. May Naga's blessings follow you always," the beautiful man bowed before walking away.
Soleil watched him go, already more than confused again at his long blond hair that hid his masculine physique. Just like how he'd looked when she approached him, in fact. "...Man, really glad I met this guy at the beach because I totally would've hit on him by mistake otherwise," she blanched.
"W-Why do you want to know about Lon'qu?!"
Soleil blinked at the busty girl's response. "Oh, is that his name?"
The other girl flinched and wrapped her arms around her chest as if to hide. Soleil tried to disarm her with a smile and some polite compliments. "Hey, there's no need for a cute girl like you to be nervous. What do you say we grab a nice cold drink an-"
"BEGONE FROM MY SIGHT BEFORE I RAIN BLOOD AND THUNDER DOWN ON YOU!"
Soleil stumbled back at the VERY vocal outburst from the suddenly-enraged girl. The crowds around them buzzed as people heard the outburst and looked for the source. The girl's rage evaporated as that same timid expression overtook her. "I-I-I-GYAAAAH!"
She ran off and left Soleil behind. The Nohrian swords girl watched her target go before a slight smile graced her face. "...Feisty. Anyway, who's next..."
"Wait, are you talking about Chrom?"
Soleil quietly cheered at getting a name and couldn't hide her grin. "Yeah - my friend and I are looking for him. Do you know where he might be?"
The brunette nodded vigorously and made her busty boobs bounce. Yeah! Chrom is-mph?!"
"-Chrom is our families' employer, and he's the reason we're on this trip. That's all you need to know," the redhead huffed as she stepped in front of her busty, brunette friend.
Soleil didn't respond right away, since she was captivated by the other girl's still-swaying chest. Eventually, they settled, and the adventurer settled for a simple shrug. "Fair enough. Can you at least tell me where to find him?"
"Beats me - maybe he's over by the fire pit? He was there last night for dinner," the brunette mused. The redhead didn't offer a word at all - sealed lips.
Soleil sighed. "I'll keep looking around - thanks for your help!" she waved before taking off. The memory of the brunette's bouncy chest made her grin, though the redhead's haughtiness felt rather nostalgic, in a way. 'You know come to think of it, that other girl looked a bit like Nina's moth...Nah, I'm just imagining things,' she dismissed.
Cynthia waited till the other girl was gone before she finally asked, "...Hey Sevy - was it just me, or did that kinda look like-?"
"-Like the queen if she was a few years younger and had a perverted streak?" Severa crossed her arms, still scowling.
Her friend nodded before crossing her arms over her chest. "I didn't like her ogling my boobies," she meekly lamented.
"Well, then you should've worn something that covers them! Gods!"
"Oooh, you mean Chrom! Yeah, I know Chrom, though I haven't seen him today. I did see a bunch of seagulls fighting over a dying fish - that was neat!"
"Who, Blue? Yeah, he's somewhere around here. You might have more luck finding his guy Pebbles though - big, tall, scowling. Can't miss him."
"Ah, you speak of Frederick - a most cunning man indeed. I believe I saw him conversing with that oaf Vaike by the umbrellas. Though perhaps a kind, ravishing lady like yourself would find a better company with the likes of me?"
"Ahh, if you seek him, perhaps you may find the one called Vaike over yonder!" the young blond man dramatically proclaimed as he pointed away from the resort and towards the amber sky of the setting sun.
Soleil nodded dumbly, still kinda stunned at how long it took to be told what she needed to know. "Yeah sure… thanks, Od...Oddly helpful sir."
He beamed and departed, not even catching Soleil's slipup. "Huh...he kinda looks like Ophelia's da….Nah, I'm imagining things," she dismissed herself before turning down to her list. Every possible lead, including those she'd made herself, was scratched off. Save one.
And she scratched that off too.
Soleil had to ultimately face facts- it was futile. She'd walked up and down the beach for some time now and simply wasn't anywhere closer to finding her Siren. The despondent swords girl sunk into a free chair and cradled her cheeks in her hands as she sighed wistfully. "Man, I hope Nina is having more luck than me…"
"A Manservant!"
Nina could hardly contain her glee as she scribbled down this new revelation in her journal. The thin light from the peephole of her barrel was all she needed as she documented her discoveries. "Oh my gods, yes! This is soooo perfect~!"
She kept writing, occasionally peeking out to see if there were any more interactions between the foreign Lord and his loyal retainer. Other than Frederick's guilty expression towards his master's retreating back, there was little else. But that single, lingering glance was all the giddy outlaw needed to compose the next three pages of speculation, synopsis, and even some possible dialogue. Before she could go further though, she stopped her quill mid-stroke and chided herself.
"Okay, okay - deep breath Nina. Let's see what the other two are like before we go too deep."
With that affirmation, she reluctantly put her journal away. She easily extracted herself from her barrel hideout and made off to find her next target. Though her work was through, it was hardly a complete schedule and routine, especially given the lackadaisical nature of a vacation.
Still, the outlaw was not to be deterred in her intent. She used her skills to sneakily follow her target, going chain by chains, through the men from her ledger and its expansion until she found her primary targets once more. It was then a simple matter of slipping into another barrel and watching the boisterous mercenary as he addressed her target.
"Employer…absolutely yes."
Nina jotted it down with elation, adding another strong string around her prevailing mythos of the Lord and his companions. She paid keen eye to how the swordsman's brow twitched ever-so-slightly at the man's name and made a note of it as well 'Chrom...I see.'
As she idly noted things down, her thoughts inevitably wandered to the current scenario of the Swordsman and the more seasoned mercenary and how amicably they spoke to one another.
"Hmm, a bit too old, but I guess there's always comfort in arms like that. Kinda like...like a dad…"
Nina's pen slipped out of her fingers as she lumped back against the far wall. Her eyes cast down on the wooden floor as she brought her knees up to her chest and contemplated things. Things that she'd left undone before spiriting away on vacation.
"Father..."
Her relationship with her father was still strained, but they were working through it. Slowly. Words may make bridges, but filling the chasms themselves took time. Time that was better spent on following her passion.
Like he'd want her to.
She shook her melancholy thoughts clear and huffed. "Ugh. Anyway, who's my next target?"
"Rival?! This just gets better and bett-hmm?"
Nina's elation was cut off as a third party joined in with the big blonde musclehead and the bluenette lord. The outlaw was miffed that this...this interloper had dared to ruin her fantasy between the two men, but she swiftly forgot her ire after she got a good look at the new girl. The girl in a simple and modest blue and red swimming set. "Wait, that girl...that's her!"
Nina swiftly scrambled out of her barrel and worked to get as close to the duo as possible. Her catlike tread easily moved into the bar along with other sunset patrons. She slipped past the Rival as he departed and settled into a seat rather close to the now-conversing duo. The outlaw pulled out her book and pretended to read as she listened in on the no doubt private conversation.
"I'm just worried about you, that's all. You've been avoiding us since we got here, and your mother and I are concerned."
"Thank you father, but I'm alright, truly - I just wanted some time to enjoy myself, that's all," she insisted.
'Father?' Nina blinked. Suddenly the shared hair color became more than blatantly obvious, and the outlaw almost kicked herself for being so blind. 'That explains a few things,' she lamented.
Chrom seemed placated by his daughter's explanation. "Okay then - we'll grab dinner some other time - the four of us. Got it?
Lucina nodded with a smile. "That sounds wonderful. Enjoy the rest of your day, father"
"Milord I...Ah, Princess Lucina. Forgive my intrusion."
Nina glanced over in time to see the Manservant appear - Frederick if she recalled right. Her keen eye noticed some minor tells with the man. Actually, it picked up on two sets of tells, and the reason behind it was certainly causing speculation.
The princess shook her head at the knight's apology and rose to her feet again. "Do not fret, Sir. Frederick - I was just about to depart, truly," she insisted.
Frederick nodded, both in understanding and perhaps just the barest hint of relief. Nina couldn't exactly see behind the girl's head now, but she could at least guess that there was a smile on her face as well. "Have a good day Father, Frederick."
"Goodbye Lucina," Chrom waved his daughter away. The two watched her depart, though it was hard to tell where exactly the knight was looking, at least from Nina's angle. She didn't miss Chrom addressing his retainer though. "Is something the matter, Frederick?"
I merely wished to inform you that Queen Olivia is resting well now," he explained. Nina's brow perched behind her book cover. More names, more mysteries. Though at least this one could be summated fairly easily based on the fact she knew her targets were in fact royalty.
Chrom grimaced before putting on a wide, though clearly faked smile. "That...that's good, thank you. That will be all, Frederick"
"Milord," Frederick bowed.
Nina finished writing another line of coded information as the private meeting concluded. Somehow despite finding all the answers she sought, the outlaw was simply more confused than when she'd sat down. Chrom himself was a mystery, but then again most noble types tended to have their skeletons. But the real meaty set of bones would have to be his daughter.
The outlaw recalled the Manservant Frederick's arrival. He'd gone from being stoic to a brief, but noticeable wince, not at Chrom like before...but rather, at his daughter. A wince that was at the very least acknowledged by Lucina herself as she'd excused herself to depart. Nina's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Now what's that about...Hmmm."
Ophelia walked down the way with a pursed frown on her lips. Not at her pilfered drink, but more so at yet another day where her comrades had elected to simply leave her behind for their own whims. She didn't mind it since it was supposed to be a respite for all of them...but it would've been nice to at least share a meal together or the like. 'Or at least an expedition to the north cliffs.' she mused.
The Beach Realm had some secrets - most of them likely little more than wives' tales spun for profit. She wouldn't put it past the redhead and her suspiciously stocked shelf of yore and legends. Ghost ships, mysterious lights - all sorts of banal hoaxes and yarns.
One caught her attention, though - the Northern Eye. A supposedly mystical pool of water in the caves to the north of the resort grounds. One that could perceive the bonds of those that gaze into it, and reveal the true strength of those ties. With how little grounding it had, it couldn't hurt to investigate just a little bit.
That's what Ophelia wanted to do with her friends. They still had three days of course, but it would be nice to have time to actually investigate if they ended up finding the Northern Eye. But with their mutual captivations in this utterly banal 'Siren' and the surrounding characters it was clear she wouldn't be able to coax them into a little expedition.
Still, a beach was a beach, and she was already dressed for the occasion. 'I could always just take a dip in the ocean today - maybe I can coax them out tomorrow,' she mused. The Dark Mage set her sights back down to the beach and weaved through the midday crowds. She passed a few with nary a glance before someone passed by that left her stiff in shock.
A man, maybe four or so years her senior. Blue hair, an admittedly impressive build, and a rather conventional attire for vacation. Well, save for a torn-off sleeve on his right arm. Still, Ophelia usually wouldn't spare more than a smile before moving on… If not for the strangely familiar symbol on his exposed bicep.
"W-What?!"
The dark mage stood there, utterly stunned as the man walked past her. The mark seared in her mind as she quickly reached for her longer sleeve and tore it down to her wrist. The self-same mark laid on her outer wrist. "C-Could it be - is it as father said?!"
"Heroic blood flows through your veins. It is the blood of the Exalt, who raised his sword against the world-eating fell dragon. It is the blood of a woman whose courage led her to cross the bounds of time itself. And it is the blood that flowed out of two heroes who died to protect me."
"Blood of...Heroes?" she mused aloud. Her mind tried to process this sudden, striking revelation. Here- in the space between worlds within and without, she found someone with the self-same mark as her and her father. A bond across time and space. A tie that she could possibly see for herself.
She had to know
She needed to know.
Ophelia replaced her arm cover before dashing after the man. "You there, sir! Please wait!"
She weaved through the crowd in a mad rush. Her eyes were zeroed on his back and ignorant of everything around her. She was on him in a moment, and already leaping towards him before he could even turn to react. Whoa, hold on! What are you-?!"
Crash
He managed to catch her, but still went back into a nearby table and knocked some wooden cups onto the ground. Ophelia felt his grip on her hip and shoulder - quite chaste, but far from her mind as she rambled and gestured for his exposed bicep. "Your mark, on your arm - the mark of destiny!"
"Easy there," he told her before setting her back on her feet. "Now I'm sorry, I think I'm lost. Do you need something from me?" he asked.
Ophelia snapped out of her state and realized what she'd done. Her eyes bugged out before she offered a deep, theatric bow. "Ahh! My apologies sir - that was rude of me."
It's alright. Let's start with your name, miss?"
"I am Ophelia Dusk, and I seek the truth of the mark of Heroes. Tell me - is that truly the sign of legends?" She demanded.
He blinked and glanced at his indicated arm before he turned back to her. "Uhhh...I'm Chrom. Are you talking about the Brand of the Exalt?"
Ophelia shook her head in exasperation but smiled all the same. "Your words are too flimsy and limpid to confirm the truth. Fear Not! I know exactly where to go - to the Northern Eye!" She declared.
"Northern...Eye." Chrom repeated.
The girl nodded vigorously. "Yes! A mystic pool that can perceive the truth. It is a mere walk off the grounds of the resort. Come with me!"
She reached for his hand, but he pulled away and shook his head. "I've...had my fill of investigating strange ponds, thanks," he insisted.
The dark mage wouldn't be so easily deterred. "But you must! It would ill-behoove for me to let this chance slip by," she explained.
Ophelia took a step towards him but nearly slipped and fell on a discarded cup. Chrom managed to catch her before she tumbled to the ground. "Easy there," he sighed.
"Okay, okay. Look just...just take a breath, and slow down. I'll come with you to make sure nothing happens, alright?" he promised.
His tepid, reluctant affirmation was all she needed and Ophelia sprung back up anew. "Then let us venture forth - Destiny is calling!" she declared before taking off back to the beach.
"...Why do I have the most insane case of Deja vu right now?" Chrom lamented.