Well, this chapter got out faster than the previous ones, at least.
Jeanie: Yep, there will be several more :) And good, another reader who dislikes lemons.
Kensou Freak: Pegasi and Wyverns? Um, well I've read it. It's OK, but...I don't think that it's the best Fire Emblem romance there is. Besides, I think Ivanfanatic stole the idea for the ending from one of the scenes in my story, Defiance.
The Story Master 125: Don't worry about that little slip about Adriana's father...I knew who it was long before that :P
Sword of Seals: Well...I still think Defiance is my best work. That may be because it was the story that got me started here, but...
hyliansage: Already reviewed your story. It's great.
SkyFireZero: Thanks for your review!
Morning Mist: I'm not sure if you mentioned it either...I've been getting several comments about that :) I don't see why it's such a big deal though...can't other authors use spellcheck?
FireEdge: Thanks for your review!
Chapter Twelve
Falling
The army left Castle Pherae refreshed and in high spirits, courtesy of the excellent food provided by the castle's cooks. They then traveled to Bern, ready to find out anything they could about the Shrine of Seals.
Ninian stared at Eliwood as he talked with the other lords. She still wasn't used to the way he was dressed.
Wary of the threats Bern posed to Lycia with their formidable army, the lords had exchanged their fancy attire for plain brown traveler's robes to ensure that nobody would recognize them. They were now just three more faces in the crowd.
The group was now standing outside a village in Bern. The inhabitants were milling about, preparing for what looked like a large celebration.
Eliwood, Hector and Lyn stood next to a fence that encircled the village. They were discussing their next plan of action, and Ninian was able to hear what they were saying as she got closer.
"What's with all the commotion?" Eliwood asked, looking at the villagers milling about.
"I spoke with some villagers on the way here," Lyn replied. "They say that Prince Zephiel's coming-of-age ceremony is in ten days. Looks like they're very excited."
"Carefree fools," Hector snorted. "They have no idea what's going on."
"And it's better that they don't," Eliwood said, motioning for Hector to quiet down. "Who knows what chaos will erupt if they hear our story?"
"Very well," Hector said. "So, how are we supposed to get to the shrine?"
"I don't know," Eliwood replied. "All we know is that the shrine is in the northern parts of Bern. But I'm sure the exact location is kept secret. Most likely only the royal family knows where it is."
"And we can't talk to them," Lyn added.
"Right."
"If I may?" Pent's voice came from behind the lords. As thanks for helping him out in the desert, he and his wife had decided to join the army. "I believe I can provide you with its general location."
"How?" Eliwood asked.
Pent gestured at the insignia of Etruria on his cloak. "As the Mage General of Etruria, duty demands that my wife and I attend the festivities following the prince's ceremony. However, I will be able to greet the queen privately before then."
Hector snorted again. "You expect the queen to just let you have a private audience with her?" He received a small punch and a quiet "shut up" from Lyn for his comment.
"Why yes, actually, we do," Pent's wife Louise replied. "She and I are related. Although it is a distant relation, we know each other well. If I am with Pent, she will grant us an audience."
"I can ask her discreetly about the Shrine of Seals," Pent added. "She probably won't say too much, but anything will help, correct? And I assure you that I will not reveal your presence."
Eliwood considered this for a moment, before replying, "Very well. How long do you expect it will be before you return?"
"Two days at most." Pent replied.
"Then I pray for your success."
The army could not go anywhere until Pent and Louise came back, so they decided to set up camp outside the village. Eliwood, Ninian, Hector and Lyn stood at the fence surrounding the village, watching the villagers continue their preparations for the celebration.
Finally, Hector spoke up. "I can't stand just waiting here," he remarked. "Can't we go into town, or something?"
"What if someone were to recognize us?" Lyn asked.
"I don't think Bern villagers will know what Lycian nobles look like," Hector replied sarcastically. He looked at Ninian. "Or...maybe you and your brother could give us a performance?" he suggested.
"Um, well—" she began.
"Why don't we see if we can find out any information about the Black Fang?" Eliwood asked before she could answer. "They are based in Bern, and I am sure we could find out some information from the villagers here."
"That sounds like a good idea," Hector said.
"Well then, let's go," Lyn said, starting for the village. Hector followed her.
"Try to blend in," Eliwood called to them.
"Yes, we need to be careful," Hector said.
"Especially you, Hector," Lyn said, before giggling and running off.
"What?!" Hector ran after her.
Eliwood leaned against the fence surrounding the village and sighed, shaking his head. "Those two...I can't tell if they're friends or not," he grumbled. Ninian stifled a giggle, but he noticed. "Is something funny, Ninian?" he asked.
She smiled at him. "Just listen to you grumble, Lord Eliwood," she said. "You sound like...like you're their father!" She started giggling again.
"Really?" Eliwood asked, looking behind himself at their retreating figures.
"Yes," she replied, still giggling.
"Great..." he said sarcastically.
That just caused her to laugh harder.
Eliwood couldn't help but smile at her, and he began to laugh a little himself.
"I like it when you laugh," Eliwood suddenly remarked, smiling.
Ninian stopped laughing abruptly. "What?" she asked.
Eliwood suddenly looked shocked, apparently realizing what he had just said. "Oh—uh...nothing," he replied, his cheeks turning red.
"No...what was it you said, Lord Eliwood?" she pressed curiously.
"Um, I said...I like it when you laugh," he said reluctantly. "You're very pretty when you laugh, did you know that?"
Ninian felt herself blush. She didn't know what to say.
"Ninian?" Eliwood said.
"Y-yes?" she replied softly.
"Why...why do my compliments embarrass you so?" he asked slowly, carefully. "I thought a girl such as you would be more...well, proud of her appearance."
Ninian bit her lip; she hadn't been expecting such a question. "I...I don't know," she replied finally. "I suppose...I am just unused to hearing such comments, that's all..."
Eliwood looked at her, somewhat disbelieving. "But...you are a dancer, correct?" he asked. "Certainly, you must hear this from some people..."
She shook her head. "No, Lord Eliwood," she replied. "I-In fact," she added, "you are the only one who has ever done so..." She looked away from him.
Eliwood stared at her, almost incredulously. "Truly?" he asked.
She nodded, and looked up at him.
She suddenly realized that his face was very close to hers.
"Ninian?" he asked softly.
"Y-yes?" she replied.
"Perhaps..." he began, "a-at some point...you could show me...the dance you use when you perform?" He said this very softly, barely above a whisper, as if afraid she would run away if he spoke any louder.
"I-I suppose..." she replied, equally softly.
His face was moving closer to hers...
"You!"
Eliwood jumped suddenly, looking for the person that had addressed him.
"You are Eliwood, correct?" The man was standing a few feet away from them. He had spiky blue hair, and he wore a black shirt and pants. He also carried a large broadsword.
Eliwood took one look at the man's clothing and said, "Black Fang, I see..."
"That's right," the man sneered. "You have the honor of dying at the hands of the Four Fangs. Our commander is Linus, the Mad Dog."
"Who cares what his title is?" Hector and Lyn showed up behind the man, and the former quickly drove his axe into the man's back, killing him instantly. "Eliwood!" he shouted. "The Black Fang have occupied the entire town, and they're all after us!"
Some of the army apparently heard, as they started getting ready for battle.
"Then let's meet their challenge," Eliwood said, drawing his rapier. He looked at Ninian. "Ninian..." he said, "you'll come with me?"
She nodded. The image of Eliwood about to kiss her firmly engraved itself in her mind as she began to follow him...
Linus dropped to his knees, panting heavily. The three lords all stood over him, while Ninian watched from a few feet away.
"You're...you're stronger than I thought," Linus remarked.
"Linus," Eliwood said.
Linus looked up at Eliwood, then suddenly, quick as a flash, he was behind him, his sword at Eliwood's neck. Ninian gasped.
Lyn and Hector raised their weapons, but Linus simply said, "Don't even move." They quickly lowered their weapons again.
Linus looked down at Eliwood, a triumphant smile on his lips. "Any last requests?" he asked.
"Yes," Eliwood replied, strangely calm. "Two."
"Very well," Linus said. "Tell me, and I may grant them."
"First," Eliwood said. He gestured at Ninian as well as he could with Linus's sword at his neck. "Please...don't hurt her."
Ninian was surprised at this, but it was quickly drowned out by worry for Eliwood's safety.
"Of course," Linus replied. "It is against my honor to harm an innocent woman."
"Thank you," Eliwood said. "And second, there is something I would like to know."
"And what would that be?" Linus asked.
"I noticed that you and your soldiers kept all the villagers clear of the fighting," Eliwood said.
"Yes," Linus said. "They are not involved in this, so they should not be put in danger."
"That's right," Eliwood said. "And I can see now that the Black Fang is not at all evil. So...why are we fighting?"
"What?" Linus looked thoroughly confused. "But—you're the evil—bah!" He abruptly let go of Eliwood.
Eliwood rubbed his neck. "Why are you letting me go?" he asked.
"None of this makes any sense!" Linus shouted. "I was told that you were the evildoers, but...bah!" He threw up his hands in annoyance. "I'm leaving now, but I will be back once I have this straightened out!" He then ran out of the village.
Ninian, meanwhile, nearly fainted with relief.
Ninian lay on her bed in her tent. The image of Eliwood about to kiss her played over and over in her mind, as it had been doing for the past few minutes.
She knew now that she wanted him to kiss her, that she wanted to kiss him as well. Maybe it had just been the heat of the moment, but...it seemed like it was just the right thing to do...
She was suddenly jolted from her thoughts as Nils came into the tent.
"Ninian?" he asked. He was looking at her with an expression of...Ninian couldn't tell what it was. Disappointment? Sadness? Or—strangely enough—fear?
"What is it?" she asked.
He was silent for a moment, thinking, before he replied, "Never mind." He started walking to his bed.
"Nils, what's going on?" she pressed.
He waved a hand, dismissing the matter. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it." He lay down on his bed. "Good night, Ninian."
"Good night, Nils."
As the tent fell silent again, Ninian's thoughts turned back to Eliwood.
She remembered how she had realized that Eliwood was the only one who had ever really cared for her, that he was the only one who had ever called her beautiful. And after what had happened earlier...
...but then, there it was again. The doubt. The worry of how he would react if he found out what she was...
She sighed.
She knew what was happening. She was falling in love with him. She just didn't know, because of what she was, if she would ever be able to tell him that.
Augh! I really didn't like using such a clichéd idea there...where Eliwood was about to kiss Ninian and they were broken up by something else. Oh well...it seems to fit rather nicely, though...
What do you guys think of this one?
Please review!!!
-TheOneAndOnlyT
Jeanie: Yep, there will be several more :) And good, another reader who dislikes lemons.
Kensou Freak: Pegasi and Wyverns? Um, well I've read it. It's OK, but...I don't think that it's the best Fire Emblem romance there is. Besides, I think Ivanfanatic stole the idea for the ending from one of the scenes in my story, Defiance.
The Story Master 125: Don't worry about that little slip about Adriana's father...I knew who it was long before that :P
Sword of Seals: Well...I still think Defiance is my best work. That may be because it was the story that got me started here, but...
hyliansage: Already reviewed your story. It's great.
SkyFireZero: Thanks for your review!
Morning Mist: I'm not sure if you mentioned it either...I've been getting several comments about that :) I don't see why it's such a big deal though...can't other authors use spellcheck?
FireEdge: Thanks for your review!
Falling
The army left Castle Pherae refreshed and in high spirits, courtesy of the excellent food provided by the castle's cooks. They then traveled to Bern, ready to find out anything they could about the Shrine of Seals.
Ninian stared at Eliwood as he talked with the other lords. She still wasn't used to the way he was dressed.
Wary of the threats Bern posed to Lycia with their formidable army, the lords had exchanged their fancy attire for plain brown traveler's robes to ensure that nobody would recognize them. They were now just three more faces in the crowd.
The group was now standing outside a village in Bern. The inhabitants were milling about, preparing for what looked like a large celebration.
Eliwood, Hector and Lyn stood next to a fence that encircled the village. They were discussing their next plan of action, and Ninian was able to hear what they were saying as she got closer.
"What's with all the commotion?" Eliwood asked, looking at the villagers milling about.
"I spoke with some villagers on the way here," Lyn replied. "They say that Prince Zephiel's coming-of-age ceremony is in ten days. Looks like they're very excited."
"Carefree fools," Hector snorted. "They have no idea what's going on."
"And it's better that they don't," Eliwood said, motioning for Hector to quiet down. "Who knows what chaos will erupt if they hear our story?"
"Very well," Hector said. "So, how are we supposed to get to the shrine?"
"I don't know," Eliwood replied. "All we know is that the shrine is in the northern parts of Bern. But I'm sure the exact location is kept secret. Most likely only the royal family knows where it is."
"And we can't talk to them," Lyn added.
"Right."
"If I may?" Pent's voice came from behind the lords. As thanks for helping him out in the desert, he and his wife had decided to join the army. "I believe I can provide you with its general location."
"How?" Eliwood asked.
Pent gestured at the insignia of Etruria on his cloak. "As the Mage General of Etruria, duty demands that my wife and I attend the festivities following the prince's ceremony. However, I will be able to greet the queen privately before then."
Hector snorted again. "You expect the queen to just let you have a private audience with her?" He received a small punch and a quiet "shut up" from Lyn for his comment.
"Why yes, actually, we do," Pent's wife Louise replied. "She and I are related. Although it is a distant relation, we know each other well. If I am with Pent, she will grant us an audience."
"I can ask her discreetly about the Shrine of Seals," Pent added. "She probably won't say too much, but anything will help, correct? And I assure you that I will not reveal your presence."
Eliwood considered this for a moment, before replying, "Very well. How long do you expect it will be before you return?"
"Two days at most." Pent replied.
"Then I pray for your success."
The army could not go anywhere until Pent and Louise came back, so they decided to set up camp outside the village. Eliwood, Ninian, Hector and Lyn stood at the fence surrounding the village, watching the villagers continue their preparations for the celebration.
Finally, Hector spoke up. "I can't stand just waiting here," he remarked. "Can't we go into town, or something?"
"What if someone were to recognize us?" Lyn asked.
"I don't think Bern villagers will know what Lycian nobles look like," Hector replied sarcastically. He looked at Ninian. "Or...maybe you and your brother could give us a performance?" he suggested.
"Um, well—" she began.
"Why don't we see if we can find out any information about the Black Fang?" Eliwood asked before she could answer. "They are based in Bern, and I am sure we could find out some information from the villagers here."
"That sounds like a good idea," Hector said.
"Well then, let's go," Lyn said, starting for the village. Hector followed her.
"Try to blend in," Eliwood called to them.
"Yes, we need to be careful," Hector said.
"Especially you, Hector," Lyn said, before giggling and running off.
"What?!" Hector ran after her.
Eliwood leaned against the fence surrounding the village and sighed, shaking his head. "Those two...I can't tell if they're friends or not," he grumbled. Ninian stifled a giggle, but he noticed. "Is something funny, Ninian?" he asked.
She smiled at him. "Just listen to you grumble, Lord Eliwood," she said. "You sound like...like you're their father!" She started giggling again.
"Really?" Eliwood asked, looking behind himself at their retreating figures.
"Yes," she replied, still giggling.
"Great..." he said sarcastically.
That just caused her to laugh harder.
Eliwood couldn't help but smile at her, and he began to laugh a little himself.
"I like it when you laugh," Eliwood suddenly remarked, smiling.
Ninian stopped laughing abruptly. "What?" she asked.
Eliwood suddenly looked shocked, apparently realizing what he had just said. "Oh—uh...nothing," he replied, his cheeks turning red.
"No...what was it you said, Lord Eliwood?" she pressed curiously.
"Um, I said...I like it when you laugh," he said reluctantly. "You're very pretty when you laugh, did you know that?"
Ninian felt herself blush. She didn't know what to say.
"Ninian?" Eliwood said.
"Y-yes?" she replied softly.
"Why...why do my compliments embarrass you so?" he asked slowly, carefully. "I thought a girl such as you would be more...well, proud of her appearance."
Ninian bit her lip; she hadn't been expecting such a question. "I...I don't know," she replied finally. "I suppose...I am just unused to hearing such comments, that's all..."
Eliwood looked at her, somewhat disbelieving. "But...you are a dancer, correct?" he asked. "Certainly, you must hear this from some people..."
She shook her head. "No, Lord Eliwood," she replied. "I-In fact," she added, "you are the only one who has ever done so..." She looked away from him.
Eliwood stared at her, almost incredulously. "Truly?" he asked.
She nodded, and looked up at him.
She suddenly realized that his face was very close to hers.
"Ninian?" he asked softly.
"Y-yes?" she replied.
"Perhaps..." he began, "a-at some point...you could show me...the dance you use when you perform?" He said this very softly, barely above a whisper, as if afraid she would run away if he spoke any louder.
"I-I suppose..." she replied, equally softly.
His face was moving closer to hers...
"You!"
Eliwood jumped suddenly, looking for the person that had addressed him.
"You are Eliwood, correct?" The man was standing a few feet away from them. He had spiky blue hair, and he wore a black shirt and pants. He also carried a large broadsword.
Eliwood took one look at the man's clothing and said, "Black Fang, I see..."
"That's right," the man sneered. "You have the honor of dying at the hands of the Four Fangs. Our commander is Linus, the Mad Dog."
"Who cares what his title is?" Hector and Lyn showed up behind the man, and the former quickly drove his axe into the man's back, killing him instantly. "Eliwood!" he shouted. "The Black Fang have occupied the entire town, and they're all after us!"
Some of the army apparently heard, as they started getting ready for battle.
"Then let's meet their challenge," Eliwood said, drawing his rapier. He looked at Ninian. "Ninian..." he said, "you'll come with me?"
She nodded. The image of Eliwood about to kiss her firmly engraved itself in her mind as she began to follow him...
Linus dropped to his knees, panting heavily. The three lords all stood over him, while Ninian watched from a few feet away.
"You're...you're stronger than I thought," Linus remarked.
"Linus," Eliwood said.
Linus looked up at Eliwood, then suddenly, quick as a flash, he was behind him, his sword at Eliwood's neck. Ninian gasped.
Lyn and Hector raised their weapons, but Linus simply said, "Don't even move." They quickly lowered their weapons again.
Linus looked down at Eliwood, a triumphant smile on his lips. "Any last requests?" he asked.
"Yes," Eliwood replied, strangely calm. "Two."
"Very well," Linus said. "Tell me, and I may grant them."
"First," Eliwood said. He gestured at Ninian as well as he could with Linus's sword at his neck. "Please...don't hurt her."
Ninian was surprised at this, but it was quickly drowned out by worry for Eliwood's safety.
"Of course," Linus replied. "It is against my honor to harm an innocent woman."
"Thank you," Eliwood said. "And second, there is something I would like to know."
"And what would that be?" Linus asked.
"I noticed that you and your soldiers kept all the villagers clear of the fighting," Eliwood said.
"Yes," Linus said. "They are not involved in this, so they should not be put in danger."
"That's right," Eliwood said. "And I can see now that the Black Fang is not at all evil. So...why are we fighting?"
"What?" Linus looked thoroughly confused. "But—you're the evil—bah!" He abruptly let go of Eliwood.
Eliwood rubbed his neck. "Why are you letting me go?" he asked.
"None of this makes any sense!" Linus shouted. "I was told that you were the evildoers, but...bah!" He threw up his hands in annoyance. "I'm leaving now, but I will be back once I have this straightened out!" He then ran out of the village.
Ninian, meanwhile, nearly fainted with relief.
Ninian lay on her bed in her tent. The image of Eliwood about to kiss her played over and over in her mind, as it had been doing for the past few minutes.
She knew now that she wanted him to kiss her, that she wanted to kiss him as well. Maybe it had just been the heat of the moment, but...it seemed like it was just the right thing to do...
She was suddenly jolted from her thoughts as Nils came into the tent.
"Ninian?" he asked. He was looking at her with an expression of...Ninian couldn't tell what it was. Disappointment? Sadness? Or—strangely enough—fear?
"What is it?" she asked.
He was silent for a moment, thinking, before he replied, "Never mind." He started walking to his bed.
"Nils, what's going on?" she pressed.
He waved a hand, dismissing the matter. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it." He lay down on his bed. "Good night, Ninian."
"Good night, Nils."
As the tent fell silent again, Ninian's thoughts turned back to Eliwood.
She remembered how she had realized that Eliwood was the only one who had ever really cared for her, that he was the only one who had ever called her beautiful. And after what had happened earlier...
...but then, there it was again. The doubt. The worry of how he would react if he found out what she was...
She sighed.
She knew what was happening. She was falling in love with him. She just didn't know, because of what she was, if she would ever be able to tell him that.
Augh! I really didn't like using such a clichéd idea there...where Eliwood was about to kiss Ninian and they were broken up by something else. Oh well...it seems to fit rather nicely, though...
What do you guys think of this one?
Please review!!!
-TheOneAndOnlyT