Madelyn's Choice

By Becki ^___^

© Fire Emblem

All characters and ideas copyrighted to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems

Disclaimer: I do not own anybody except... except... hm! What do you know? I don't own anybody yet ^_^; Well.. maybe Hassar's sister, but she doesn't exactly exist in the fic -__o

Chapter Three: The Banquet

It did not take long for her to sneak back into the castle. As soon as the fiasco would have come to an end, Madelyn had almost considered a request to tighten the security. However, she thought better of it and decided that she would like to sneak out every once in a while. The outside world was vastly different from the secluded area of the castle.

Instead of returning to her room however, she decided to come back through the garden. The titter of birds and the creek's playful wash over the clean stones greeted her ears. She took off her hood and let the warmth of the sun bathe her cheek.

Hassar.. had that been his name? What an unusual character. Observant and quick with his words. Madelyn had always been led to believe that the Sacaen nomads were primitive and slow. But he was different, a determined spark in his dark eyes.

Shaking her head, she forced her thoughts with controlled defenses. No, there were more things to worry about. Besides, she would probably never see him again anyway.

The willow's arms fell and fell playfully in her loose hair. With a girlish laugh, Madelyn rebuked the tree and untangled the leaves. Narrowly missing the creek with her foot, her boots slid against the wet mud.

"My lady!" Regaining her composure, Madelyn straightened to see the steward upon the balcony with a sweaty hand on his forehead with concern. Forgetting that she was not to be seen until she had changed out of her guise, she replied naturally.

"Yes, Reissmann? Whatever is the matter?" Raising a hand to block the sunlight from her eyes, she saw the young man sigh in relief.

"We couldn't find you, milady. The maids were beginning to fret. By and by, you're safe."
"Yes.. I was in.. the garden.." She said as smoothly as possible to cover her escape. "I'm perfectly well." Reissmann sighed again, and bowed his head after remembering his respect.

"The guests for the banquet have arrived."
"What?" Madelyn said with a start. She turned and looked at the sky, seeing the bright blue heavens. "Already? I was told the banquet was to begin an hour before sunset."

"But alas, they are willing to wait. I believe Lord Hausen is touring them through the mansion, madam." Madelyn made her way up the balcony steps as gracefully and ladylike as her surprise would permit.

"Excuse me." She said hastily and disappeared inside.

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"Madelyn." He spoke the name again, as if speaking it again would remove it from his thoughts. He knew there was definitely something about her that was different from the other women from Caelin. First of all, she never averted her gaze from him like they did. Strong, bright green eyes. She did not shun them like the Lycians. If she was born out of nobility, she was definitely not what was stereotypically described of them.

And she was interested in the coming of Marquess Araphen. Another strange concept.

"Your thoughts are like a storm, my child. Chaotic and careless."

Hassar did not flinch, but turned to see the owner of the voice. The scratched voice at the edge of cackling laughter. A older middle aged woman with graying straw colored hair. She whore a lined hood over her eyes, and wrinkles already creased her skin. She grinned a toothy smile, a silver tooth revealed on the beige colored row.

Out of taught respect for the elderly, Hassar chose a respected title to address her.

"A storm with violent endings, grandmother?" Her grin furthered and she massaged her long-nailed hands.

"Perhaps. Even the smallest storm can unexpectedly tear hearts." Her voice was shallow and wind-like. Hassar stared distantly, unable to answer. The lady sat down and touched the pestle. She seemed to be mixing herbs of some kind, mastered in the art of potions.

"I am but a humble fortune-teller." She said after a few moments, mouth thin. "Do you seek your future?"

"...I do." He replied honestly, one hand on the reins of his mare.

"I shall read an augury, if that is your desire. But there is a small cost."

"I apologize, grandmother, but I have no gold."

"Then.." She pointed to his ear. "That shall do." Reaching up to his earlobe, the gold ring dangled. Both earrings he had were given to him by his late sister. As he was thinking about it, the fortune-teller waved a hand carelessly back and forth. "One of them may be the cost."

Surprised, he thought it through. One earring was barely worth one gold. But they both meant more to him than any other possessions he owned. But.. there was something that his sister had once said.

"Possessions are merely materialistic compared to the memories you have through them. What I give you, my prayers are only that they may help you in your journey through life."

He closed his eyes, and heard her voice. Taking one of the earrings off, he held it in his palm for a few seconds.

"Done." Raising his hand palm down, he held it out. The woman removed one bony hand from the pestle and uncurled her fingers. Dropping the gold ring from his hand, Hassar watched it fall into her hand.

"Very well." She dropped her hands from the pestle altogether, closing her blank eyes. Through her thin lips, a soft hissing sound came out.

"... ..." She said nothing as she touched her eyes in a plea to see into the future. Hassar waited patiently, ignoring the mare which looked about anxiously and apprehensive. The horse's ears flickered and she tapped her hooves impatiently.

"There is a great feast tonight in the house of the rich.. there is someone who longs to meet you. This person who effects the road you take. But.. what's this..? There is.. a conflict... something that may turn out for the worse. Heed the warning, do not take this path.. not only your life may be effected, but a great loved one.. There is more... death... and... darkness... blades.. axes and blood.. darkness!"

Unable to understand her broken words, Hassar waited as the wind shuddered. The woman twitched as she breathed ragged breaths, then was still. Unsure of what had happened, he saw the beads of sweat had broken on her forehead. He called her softly.

"Grandmother?" She whispered in a voice that was an order.

"Do.. not.. take this... path.." Those were her final words as she collapsed on the mat she had sat on.

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Standing at the two large doors leading to the grand ballroom, Madelyn shifted her gaze from one guest to the next. She was dressed elegantly in a fancy yet simple dress. A dress which was in the pastel green and silver to match her eyes. Her hair was done high, pinned with pearls, not too many to take away the shine in her locks. Madelyn held two creme colored gloves in her hands, she felt her palms already getting humid with sweat.

Marquess Araphen had not yet arrived. Which was somewhat of a relief, but also unfortunate. She did not want to have to wait for her embarrassment. And her father who would put her into this situation! She was alone and had nobody to confide in.

Lord Hausen called her name, again snapping her from her thoughts. Turning her head, a loose strand of hair brushed her shoulder.

Her father stood with a young couple. Patiently she lifted her dress and came by quickly and obediently. Lord Hausen spoke inaudible words to the couple, then addressed Madelyn.

"Madelyn, this is the Marquess of Pherae, Lord Elbert and Lady Eleanora." The lady of Caelin looked from one guest to the other. The man with fiery red hair who was identified as Marquess Pherae nodded kindly and smiled gently. His face was just as kind as his reactions, his eyes as blue as the sky in high noon. His wife was beautiful, rounded pale face surrounded by a frame of curly amethyst hued hair. She closed her fan and followed her husband's suit, the first to act.

"It is a great pleasure and privilege to meet the famed Lady Madelyn." Her voice was almost like glass, crystal clear yet fragile. Lord Elbert had a hand over his wife's shoulder and greeted Madelyn as well.

"Yes, well met, Lady Madelyn. Your father speaks most fondly of you." Elbert's voice was slightly laid back, soft and tender. Madelyn bowed her head, momentarily forgetting about Marquess Araphen.

"It is an honor, Lord Elbert and Lady Eleanora. I would like to congratulate you on the birth of your first son." She said politely, remembering everything from court.

"How kind of you!" Eleanora said, her smile not in the least fading. "Yes, little Eliwood is most likely asleep in Pherae. A spitting image of his father!" Madelyn raised her eyebrows.

What a lovely couple.. She thought, surprised at their playful attitudes.

"Lady Madelyn!" Reissmann's voice interrupted the conversation as the ruffled steward entered noisily. Quickly bowing his head low before the lords, he apologized. "Forgive me, my lords."

"Reissmann, what is it?" Madelyn said with a frown.

"Marquess Araphen has arrived. He request your presence."

"Ah!" She darted a look toward Marquess Pherae and his wife, then to her father. He simply smiled and nodded. "Excuse me please." She said quickly. Lord Elbert dipped a clean nod.

"Of course."

Madelyn hurried down the ballroom floor, Reissman at her heels.

"Where is he, Reissmann?" She said breathily. He pointed down the halls.

"At the entry gate outside."

"Thank you, please await here and greet the remaining guests." She said bluntly, unable to hear anything but her heart race with anxiousness. After that she did not hear him anymore.

A sea of words swept into her mind. How could she say that she didn't want to marry him without being impolite? Or.. did she even have to be polite? Surely shouldn't be rude, it wasn't in her nature. The hem of her dress swept against the walls as she turned each corner. As she went, her eyes caught the windows and the setting sun over the silhouette of buildings in Caelin town. It was almost night. She did not know how long the feast was to last, but she prayed that it would not be long.

When she turned the last corner of halls, she saw the huge doors of the main entry. One of them were open, the orange glazy sunlight washing the marble floor. She stepped out gingerly and looked around. There was nobody there except for the guards awaiting at the door. Turning around, she wanted to make sure he was not there.

Nobody. She almost paused to ask one of the guards whether they had seen him. Instead, she wanted to procrastinate and stepped back inside. Perhaps.. he had wandered his way towards the ballroom without her noticing it.

"Lady Madelyn!" Spinning around at the call of her name, she knew it had just been a delay in her schedule. Marquess Araphen withdrew from the shadows of the halls and approached her, stepping into the window of sunlight.

"My lord!" She said, struggling to keep her composure. "What a blessing it is to see you this fine evening." Without a word, he took her hands in his own.

"A blessing, surely it is." He raised the back of her hand to his lips, and Madelyn kept still, only in discomfort. Perhaps it had been a good plan to keep her gloves on, unfortunately she had not executed it. When he raised his lips, he spoke gently. "Who were you looking for?"

"I.. I was just seeking a breath of clear air. The ballroom does get a bit clouded as it fills." She lied, keeping her eyes away from his face. It was not true to say that he was unattractive. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Combed blond hair and sharp brown eyes. He had a good build, but what bothered her most about men was their attraction. His personality was too quick, too desperate.

As politely and subtly as possible, she withdrew her hands.

"Would you like me to escort you to the ballroom?" He asked, raising an arm. Madelyn kept a straight face but her mind was flaring.

I can get there myself, after all, I do live here.. Forcing any negative thoughts back, she tried to relax.

"It would be an honor, my lord." Taking it, she followed his movements, more than anything abhorring a conversation. But to her disappointment, one came anyway.

"I have wanted to speak to you of something for quite a while, Madelyn." Trying to be innocent and unknowing, Madelyn curled a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

"Oh?"

"I have.. discussed something with Lord Hausen.. but I am not sure of his approval."

"...." She frowned slightly, pursing her lips. This was more difficult than she had imagined. "Approval of what, milord?"

"There is someone that has caught my attention, Madelyn. As a friend I ask for you help." He paused, and continued. "This someone, I have grown most affectionate to."

He's trying to be subtle.. Madelyn told herself unhappily. It's failing miserably. He doesn't know that Father told me of his letter.. Oh, dear Elimine, let me get through this..

"What aid do you seek?" She finally said, afraid of the answer.

"Your acceptance, Lady Madelyn." Now was the time to play the role of an actress.

"Of what?" She said in mock astonishment.

"I wish.. no, I yearn for your acceptance." He said, voice low. To get rid of the repetition of this statement, she said simply.

"But I do accept you, my lord." He stopped suddenly, and turned to look at her.

"Excuse me?"

"I do accept you." She repeated.

"You.. then.. That's splendid!" Marquess Araphen said suddenly. "I must speak to Lord Hausen immediatly."

"What..?" But in his bliss, he quickly made way towards the ballroom by himself.

What is he so happy about..?

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Taking a deep breath, she sat next to the creek warily. Unsure of what had just happened, she looked into the star-scattered sky.

What did he mean..? Perhaps there was something else that he wished to speak to her of, perhaps she had misunderstood him the whole time. Marquess Araphen may have been somewhat naive, but he was not stupid..

Never mind. Madelyn forced herself to shut her thoughts. She just wanted to forget about him for this night. Trying to avoid him, she had made her way into the garden. The garden she knew and loved as a child, the quiet place where she would sit and think deep thoughts which hovered over the clouds of her mind. The night was quiet, and beautiful. The natural lights which lit up the sky were so much brighter than the lights from the lamps inside the ballroom.

She was wide awake, and ready for whatever was to come.

Out of nowhere a hand came and clamped over her mouth, pulling her back behind the willow tree with a sudden force. Surprised, she threw out her hand in an attempt to allure the culprit. It hit only air, and she was left groping in the darkness of the tree's shadow. Where were the guards?! An arm steadied her.

"Relax.."

That voice....

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