Hum dee dum...I update quick, don't I? –evil grin- For all you romance freaks, your wishes shall be satisfied in THIS CHAPPIE! Aren't you happy?
Nino: That rhymed!
Miss Daisy: -.-;;
Quickening: And we have Firefox now as our browser!
Woodbark: -happy squeak-
Winteress: Yes, Firefox. We're advertising. XD Wayyy better than Explorer. Oh, and review responses are at the bottom of the page.Quickening: Now, on with the fic!
Hours later, we were approaching the royal manse. Our duty had been done; the Fire Emblem had been secured, the Black Fang defeated. But we still had problems to deal with.
Apparently, the Lords had overheard a conversation speaking of an assassination attempt on the prince. It couldn't be carried through, not after all we had done to secure the Emblem for him!
It was dark already by the time we reached the entrance.
"Strange...there are no guards," murmured Lyn suspiciously, glancing around into the darkness. I shivered a bit; I didn't like the dark. As a child, I had always been afraid of the dark, and I still remembered the nights when Fiora would come into my room and sit on my bed next to me, stroking my hair and crooning lullabies until I would finally fall asleep, satisfied that with my big sister around, nothing could hurt me. Even with that, sometimes I would wake in the middle of the night, from nightmares that haunted my dreams, especially after Farina had left, and there would be no Fiora by my bedside. Instead, I would huddle up under the blankets, miserable and frightened, till I would finally cry myself to sleep.
But I was older now. I couldn't be afraid of the dark.
Where was Huey? I glanced around worriedly. It wasn't like him to disappear like this. But I would have to find him, the battle was starting! Mark was already sending our troops into the manse.
Fiora was inside, I knew. I would ask her! Quickly, I began to run, towards the dark entrance.
I halted just inside the door, looking around fearfully into the darkness, panting from my run. "Phew..."
"Argh! Hey!" yelled a voice from somewhere off. Lord Hector, I realized with a shock. Quietly, I stepped forwards nervously into the blackness.
"Lemme go, you darn flapping horse!" he yelled, and I could hear the stamping of hooves.
Huey!
I ran forwards, not stopping, till I could finally see. Huey was standing innocently on the stone floor, neck outstretched, Lord Hector's arm clamped between his teeth.
"Ah!" I gasped, too startled by the scene to say anything else.
His head whipped around, and he sighted me. "Yeah, you! You want to play rough? Fine! I'll show you rough!" Clumsily, with his other free hand, he reached towards the axe strapped to his back.
"Huey!" I cried, running forwards and grabbing his reins. Hurriedly, I pried apart his jaws, releasing Lord Hector's arm. The young Ostian glared at me, and I shrank back, fastening my arms around Huey's neck.
"Um, ahh..." I stammered. "Did this, um...did Huey...did my pegasus...do something wrong?" A futile question, I knew, but I had to buy myself time. I didn't want Lord Hector coming at me with that axe of his.
"This pegasus is yours?" he demanded, advancing on me. I squeaked and backed up, staring at him. I still needed to apologize...and somehow I felt that not just that was needed. I felt a strange attraction to the young lord of Ostia, something I could not place or explain...
"Do wrong?" he echoed me, startling me out of my thoughts. "He just grabbed my arm and dragged me off! Wouldn't let go either!"
Oh. So that's where Huey had been. Why had he done that? Naughty boy. I tightened my grip around his neck.
"I couldn't do anything in front of Eliwood and the others!" Lord Hector ranted on. "But now he's mine! I'll show him who's boss" He raised a hand threateningly, and Huey reared back, teeth bared warningly, but even I knew the pegasus was no match for the Lord and his axe.
"No!" I cried impusively, jumping in front of Huey and spreading my arms, back pressed against his nose. "Don't hurt Huey!" I begged, too frightened for my mount to be scared of Lord Hector.
"Please," I said, quieter, more timid, looking down at the ground. "If you must punish someone, punish me!" My voice rose, and I looked up, meeting his eyes shakily.
He grinned oddly, and reached up to smooth his hair down. "Heh, you can talk. And loud at that."
I blinked in surprise. "What?"
"You were always hanging around like you were going to say something," he began, "but whenever I went to ask you what it was, you'd run off!"
So he really did notice me? Was it my fault? I ran off...twice...I blinked, throat tightening, and looked down.
"So when I asked Lyn what to do –" he continued.
Lyn? He had asked Lady Lyn? What had she said about me?
"She said a big lunk like me should stay away from her friend!" he declared, annoyed, folding his arms. "Can you believe it? What's a guy supposed to do? So tell me what you wanted to say. I'm all ears!" He raised his eyebrows at me expectantly.
I blinked some more. This was definitely not the circumstances I had expected my apology to come about in. But...now that he was listening, perhaps it would be easier.
"Yes...yes," I began, stammering and quiet. "You, well...When I first...first met you..."
Wait. That wasn't when I had first met him.
I was suddenly reminded of the very first time I had met Lord Hector. The memory had escaped me, drifting just out of reach, not even remembered when he had saved me in Caelin.
It had been one year ago, after Lady Lyndis had saved me from those bandits in that abandoned village. I had traveled with her and her companions, going to claim the rightful throne of Caelin.
When had it been? It was when we had met Ninian and Nils...Lady Lyn had sent me into a house to speak with the villagers, but instead Lord Hector had been there...I was so surprised to see a young noble lord, I had squeaked and fled...
But he probably didn't even remember that.
"Yes?"
The word startled me out of my memories. Lord Hector was looking down at me expectantly. I shrank back a little. "Well, I mean...Y-You saved me, and...Um... Thank you, very much," I finished hurriedly, and suddenly realized what I had done. "I-I said it!" I exclaimed in surprise. "I finally said it! Huey!" I turned around and buried my face in my pegasus's neck, wrapping my arms around his neck again.
"I...saved you?"
I gasped, and turned my head, to see Lord Hector, cocking his head.
"Me, saving you?"
"Um...yes..." I whispered, crushed. He had forgotten! I had gone to all this trouble for something he didn't even remember!
"In Laus..." I said, voice barely a whisper. "My pegasus...archers...shot...He fell, and...um..."
He blinked, and scratched his head. "Huh. Don't remember!"
"Ah...!" I cried, throat tightening. So it was true. He didn't remember me. He didn't care. "I...I see...um...Sorry, I...I..." I buried my face in Huey's mane again.
"Hah!" He laughed, and I pressed my face tighter into the pegasus's warm neck, wishing I could just escape. He was laughing at me. Oh, the embarassment...
"I'm just joking with you!" he said good-naturedly, if not loudly, and I jerked my head up, startled.
"Course I remember that!"
"Wha..." was all I could manage, still shocked.
"How could I forget you and that witless winged horse falling on top of me?" He nodded towards huey.
"Ah...y-yes..." I stuttered, managing a weak smile.
"You know," he said in a kinder tone, coming a bit closer. "I'd better keep an eye on you."
"Huh?" I looked up into his face, into those blue eyes, usually so arrogant. Now they were only filled with worry and kindness, looking down on me.
"You know..." he said, gently detaching my arms from around Huey's neck. I flinched at the touch, but he seemed not to notice. "Don't leave my side on the battlefield, okay?"
I nodded mutely, suddenly aware of the fact that he still held my hands in his.
"I have to keep you from getting into trouble," he said softly, smiling down at me.
"Lord Hector," I stammered unbelievingly, looking up at him. Did he really care this much about me? He would go so far to protect me in battle?
I couldn't help it. My eyes filled with tears, tears that I wasn't sure why they were there. Was it out of surprise, or amazement, or...? I sniffed, wishing I could wipe them away, but he was still holding my hands.
"Tsk. Don't be crying," he said roughly, reaching up to swipe the tears out of my eyes with a gloved hand. I gasped. "You know I can't stand sniffling," he muttered.
"Lord Hector!" I cried. Was he pulling one of his jokes again? He had been so kind just a moment ago...
"I'm just joking," he whispered, suddenly gathering me into a tight embrace that left me breathless and lifted me off the ground.
I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could, he tilted his head forwards and kissed me hard.
I could do nothing, still locked into his warm embrace, shocked by the sudden course of events, so I relaxed, letting him kiss me, a sudden warmth flooding through me. And to my great surprise, I discovered it was actually quite pleasant.
Was this love? Was this what it felt like? Was this what Fiora felt for Kent? Or Lord Eliwood for the girl Ninian?
Was this love?
Finally, after how long I didn't know, he released me, and I slid to the floor, letting my feet touch ground again. Wordless, I looked up into his face.
"Florina..." he whispered, bright red. He looked off into the darkness, avoiding my gaze. "Oh, for Roland's sake!"
Still crimson, he stomped off into the darkness. I watched him go, puzzled. Had he wanted to do that to me? If so, why did he seem so embarassed by it?
Huey nickered softly, and I patted him, still watching the spot Lord Hector had vanished into the shadows. Men could be so confusing sometimes, I thought, suddenly catching sight of my own reflection in a polished marble pillar. My hair was tousled, my cheeks as red as his had been. Quickly, I smoothed down my lavender tresses, but failed to do anything to improve my face.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. Face flushing anew, I grabbed my lance and mounted Huey, hoping with all my heart that it wasn't Lord Hector again.
Not that I wanted him gone, but...somehow, I didn't think I could handle that again.
Was that hoofbeats, too? It was hard to tell. Quickly, I squeezed Huey forwards, trying fervently not to think of Lord Hector, trying to think of something else – anything else!
"Well, now that Lyn has been recognized as a noble..." I murmured, choosing my subject. "I can join the marchioness of Caelin."
The hoofbeats were louder now. They drew to a halt next to my.
My pursuer had caught up.
I glanced hurriedly ahead, refusing to look. I didn't want to confront anyone right now, no matter who it was.
"Hmmm," said an all-too-familiar voice. "Well, I guess a lot has happened in my absence. But, Florina, have you been well?"
I ignored her.
"Flo-riiiina!" She poked me in the ribs like she always used to do, dragging out my name how she always had when she was annoyed with me. "Have you?"
I sighed, and decided it was futile to ignore Farina. I halted Huey, and turned to face her. "...Well?"
" I mean, have you gotten over your fear of men?" she queried.
I was opening my mouth to say "no" when I suddenly thought of Lord Hector. Was I afraid of him? I had been once, but...
"You must have had a hard time of it when you left Ilia on your own," she blabbered on, then noticed the sudden flush of pink that rose to my cheeks again. "You blush so easily, Florina!" She giggled.
Oh, if she only knew what I was really thinking of...
"Did you cry yourself to sleep every night like you used to?" she asked abruptly, and her voice was kinder.
"Wha --?" My head shot up. "N-No...of course not. I-I'm a second-rank pegasus knight, aren't I?
"Yup!" she said brightly, nodding. "Full-fledged. And..." she lowered her voice and whispered mischieviously. "Exactly who was it that I could make cry at every practice?"
Oh, no! I thought in alarm. Please, Farina, no. Don't remind me of that.
"You...You were..." I stammered, not wanting to think about our long, grueling training sessions; and it wasn't just the practicing with weapons and flying that had made them long and hard.
"And that's not all, come to think of it," she continued thoughtfully, fingering her chin. I winced, wondering what was coming next. "Has anyone here seen you at a festival? I swear, you are a completely different person once you start coming out of your shell!"
No. We hadn't had a festival in our camp, ever. When would Farina ever learn that our mission was serious, not fun and games? And I didn't want to be reminded of that one party in Ilia, anyway...
"Yeah...but I..." I began, not even thinking about what I was saying.
"And I bet Lyn doesn't know anything about all of that, does she?" asked my sister slyly.
Something in my head registered alarm.
"I know all kinds of juicy secrets I could tell her..." commented Farina deviously.
"N-No! Don't!" I cried in alarm as she started Murphy forwards.
"Ah, here she comes!" exclaimed my sister in delight, sighting Lyn. Murphy surged forwards. "Lyn! Listen to this! You'll never believe what Florina did!"
"No! No! Please don't!" I spurred Huey after, but it was too late. Murphy was bigger, stronger, and older, no match for my pegasus. Farina was already blabbing her head off to Lyn.
I groaned, and buried my face in my gloved hands. Everything was going wrong. First Lord Hector, now Farina telling Lyn everything...She was probably going to tell the young Sacaen woman that I was afraid of the dark, too.
Would it have been better if Farina had never come? I thought suddenly, then immediately regretted it. Sure, my sister could be a nuisance at times, but I didn't want her gone. I had missed her terribly.
But now that I had her back, did I really want it so badly?
Thoughts of Farina spilling my secrets to everyone in the camp crowded into my mind, along with Lord Hector. I tried in vain to evacuate them, but they kept coming.
"Oh, Huey," I whispered, bending down on pegasus-back and hugging his neck. I watched half-heartedly as Lyn, now free of Farina, spoke to a young girl with green hair. If only I could be as kind and understanding as my pegasus, without worries, only doing what his mistress told him. Sometimes I envied him. I knew it was silly, envying an animal, but they had life so much easier. Would I even be able to confront Lord Hector again? Where was he, anyway?
It was so dark. I shivered. Cold, too. The Lords better finish whatever they were doing, quick. I knew we weren't supposed to be sneaking into the manse either. Then, perhaps, we could get back to the camp and rest a bit.
I shivered again, remembering Lord Hector. This time, maybe it wasn't from the cold.
A/N: Wheee! Romance! XD I'm sure all my readers are satisfied. And don't worry, there will be more of it to come, I'm expecting at LEAST ten more chapters to finish this fic...x.X I really need to go and update Fire.
Nino: No, you can't! You have to wait till you beat Unfullfilled Heart so you can see the conversation at the beginning of Pale Flower of Darkness.
Winteress: Err...Don't remind me.
Malignant Plate: Yeah, I'm a fast writer. XD Thanks. And yeah, Farina rocks. I'm in a good mood too! Yes. Heart Matthew. –drools- Poor Erky. XD Thanks for reviewing.
Macross-Green: Thanks for your comments. (I have to bribe my muses once in a while, too. You just don't see it). (Miss Daisy: BLACKMAIL!) (Oh, shut up, you.) That wasn't directed at you. XD Thanks for reviewing!
Maquareion: I like Farina & Hector's supports too. :D Thanks for reviewing!
lzn64: Hey! When are you going to get Crossroads updated? –is waiting expectantly- Okay, I know not everyone writes as fast as I do, and your chapters are loooong. As for the romance, are you happy now? XD As always, thanks for reviewing. I'm recommending Crossroads to my friends, now. XD
Nino: -cheers- Yey!
Sonia: Why are you even reading this? You're better off reading my fic!
Quickening: Yeah, actually, for once we got a fic based off you. It's just a one-shot, but...It made me feel more sympathetic...-sniff-
Sonia: Ha ha. I have sympathy.
Miss Daisy: -.-;; Review. Or face the wrath of the Almighty, Terrible, Dark, Evil Muses!
Woodbark: -angelic look- Te-te.
Nino: ....Almighty...? ...Evil...? ...Woodbark?... Oh well...Review!