Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Fire Emblem characters, except maybe
Rebecca's mother. There. You can't sue me now. Now onto the thank-you's!
Houyoku: Thanks so much for reviewing...again! Yay! Oh, and for the tips too. They really help a lot. How do you know so much about Rebecca?? Amazing. That's what you are. Thanks again!
?: Thanks for the information about Dan really being Dart the pirate, and thanks for reviewing!
The Story Master 125: You are so sweet! Thanks for the information about Dan being Dart undercover, and the information about how support conversations can sometimes give hints on who they eventually end up with! Yay! Thanks!
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Rebecca could hear singing. It was so soft and soothing and...somehow familiar. She slowly opened her eyes, and saw the source of all comfort and safety—her mother.
Her mother smiled down at her in the bed. Rebecca looked so beautiful with wavy emerald locks framing her face and eyes to match. Dora (I made up a name) could never understand why her daughter had never dated or even given hints on who she might like. There was Wil, her memory reminded her, but Dora pushed that traitorous thought to the back of her mind. Dan and Wil made their decision long ago.
"Mother?"
Dora was startled out of her memories by Rebecca's small voice.
"Yes dearest?"
"Were you singing just now? I-It was wonderful." Dora blushed at the praise.
"You can sing just as well as I can, Rebecca. But, not with that wound you have. You're lucky the arrow didn't puncture one of your lungs."
Rebecca rolled her eyes. It was just like her mother to change the subject off of her singing.
Dan and Wil had always liked it...
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"No no, Rebecca! Your form is all wrong!" A twelve-year-old Dan held up his hands in exasperation. "I thought you said you wanted to learn how to be a hunter!"
"But big brother, the bow's too big for me!" a teary-eyed Rebecca cried. "B-But I do want to learn! I want to be able to protect you and Wil and Mommy and Daddy and our whole village!"
"OK! OK!" Dan always felt guilty when Rebecca started crying. "Just try again. I'm sure you'll get it this time."
Fueled by Dan's words, Rebecca struggled with the large bow and managed to string an arrow. She then looked at Dan for confirmation.
"You're doing great. Now pull the string back. Come on. Use all your strength. There you go. Now, release it!" The arrow flew a whopping ten yards to land just short of the makeshift target. Rebecca's eyes became blurry with liquid.
"Oh no. Don't cry. You know I'm better with my axe, and you did really good anyway. Really." Dan comforted.
Rebecca turned her innocent eyes to Dan.
"R-Really?"
"Really. In fact, I think your success is even worth a song." Dan picked a wildflower that was near Rebecca, and presented it to her with a flourish.
"Ah. My fair lady. Wouldst thou grace my humble ears with a song?" Rebecca giggled, took the flower, and placed it in her hair.
"What are you talking about? You're using funny words!" She giggled again in girlish delight.
"He wants you to sing a song," said a voice from behind them.
Rebecca swung around, the fear on her face quickly changing to relief as she was who it was.
"Wil! You shouldn't sneak up on people!"
"Hi Dan! Hi Rebecca!" called Wil, "I'm sorry I scared you ("I wasn't scared," said Dan). I was just walking by when I heard Rebecca was going to sing. So, how about it little Wildflower? Will you sing for us?"
Rebecca blushed, suddenly very shy. "I-I don't know...I-If you r- really want me t-to."
Wil clapped his hands, and winked at Dan. "Of course we do, and we won't ever leave 'til we've heard every song you've got!"
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Against Rebecca's consent, a tear rolled down her cheek, then another, and another. Pretty soon, a full-fledged flood was soaking her blankets and her mother's shoulder, which had been kindly offered to let her cry on. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she stop?
"Poor baby," consoled her mother, "does it really hurt that much? You know you should've taken that vulnerary—"
"No, no. No!"
Dora, shocked that such force came from Rebecca, could only stammer, "Um...'no' to what dearest?"
"I-I had...I had..." Rebecca couldn't continue because she was too distraught. Dora cupped her daughter's face in her hands all the while humming quiet melodies that Rebecca had been fond of as a child. Unfortunately, singing seemed to make her worse.
Dora sighed.
"Rebecca." She forced Rebecca to look at her in the eyes, and Rebecca let herself be carried into their calming depths.
"I love you my dear. Now, tell me what got you so worked up." Rebecca took and deep breath.
"I-I...had no more songs."
Dora looked confused. "I don't understand. You had no more—"
"Songs! There were no more! Dan and Wil went away because there were no more songs! They left me! THEY LEFT ME!"
Suddenly the door burst open and Krista, Lowen, Eliwood, Bartre, and Dorcas fell flat on the floor. Marcus stood in the doorway looking embarrassed, which surprised Rebecca, for she had never seen him show any emotion before.
Krista was the first to recover from her fall.
"My lady," she apologized, indicating Rebecca's mother, "I take full responsibility for Rebecca's injuries. Please understand that if anyone left Rebecca, it was for her protection..." Krista stopped explaining to look at Rebecca questioningly.
"You WERE talking about the battle...uh...weren't you?"
Rebecca was just too emotionally strained at the moment to care about saving face, and so she laughed and laughed and laughed. She laughed until tears were again streaming down her face, and she glowed with mirth and mischief. Dora thought she could almost see her little ten-year-old girl again—back when Rebecca was unaware of anything but goodness in the world.
It was a good thing that everybody in the room, perhaps with the slight exception of Marcus, had a sense of humor. There had been stunned silence at first when Rebecca went into hysterics. Then Eliwood started chuckling; after Eliwood, Krista started to laugh; then after Krista, Lowen started; then Dorcas; and so on. Even Marcus smiled a tiny bit—a fact which he would later deny.
After a spirit-boosting five minutes of straight laughter, Rebecca got a hold of herself. She was starting to feel like her usual optimistic self again.
"Thanks guys! I really needed that. Maybe those bandits coming after our town was a good thing after all!"
"No problem!" replied Krista. And then on a more serious note, "But that reminds me of what we learned from the magistrate."
Rebecca looked puzzled. "You spoke to my father already? That was quick!"
"Well honey," explained Dora, "You were asleep for...quite a long time. Um...almost a whole day in fact." She stroked Rebecca's hair lovingly.
"Mom..." Rebecca complained, "I'm not a little girl anymore! You're embarrassing me!"
Everyone in the room tried to hide their laughter, but to no avail.
"It's OK Rebecca," comforted Eliwood after he could control his laughter. "I get that ALL the time from my nursemaid, Marcus, over here." He jabbed Marcus in the arm with his elbow. Marcus didn't move, but his mouth twitched ever so slightly.
Rebecca sighed in contentment. It had been so long since she had been with people her own age. She could stay like this forever. The bed felt so welcoming. The company was pleasant. Her mother was still stroking her hair. It all made her feel sleepy. But I want to stay up and talk with my new friends, protested Rebecca as sleep came to claim her once again.
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"She's tired. We should stay here and regain our strength—like Rebecca."
Eliwood tensed, staring at Krista's determined face. Her dark brown eyes glimmered with frustration.
"You know," offered Lowen, "We shouldn't leave before saying good- bye. It would be rude."
Bartre snorted. "Like you would know anything about manners."
Lowen looked shocked. "Of course I do! I'm training to be one of the greatest knights in Pherae, and it's hard work I tell you! Proper etiquette is one of the first lessons—"
"Lowen!" Marcus barked sharply, "We can discuss your training later. We must now concentrate on the matter at hand."
"Which is?" asked Dorcas.
Marcus tossed Dorcas a look that blatantly stated: Why would I need to explain something THAT obvious to you? His lips remained firmly closed.
Krista sighed. 'Men and their stinkin' pride!' she thought. Out loud, "Here's the deal. We have to decide whether or not to leave right now or wait and recover our strength."
"Oh." Bartre frowned in concentration. "Well, I say we go on fighting! What do you think, Dorcas old buddy?"
Dorcas hung his head in exasperation. Sometimes Bartre could actually seem intelligent, but other times...
"Hey!" Bartre poked Dorcas on the forehead. "Is anybody in there? Helloooo! If you're not goin' to perk up and talk, then I'm gonna vote for you!"
Dorcas was getting thoroughly annoyed by this time, but still he refused to answer. He wasn't a man of many words.
Bartre finally gave up trying to get an answer from Dorcas, and instead shouted, "Dorcas ain't gonna say anything, so I'm gonna vote for him!" He paused dramatically. "And I say...we go fight some more!" He looked very pleased with himself.
Krista shook her head. "Fine. So Lowen and I want to stay and recover—and wait for Rebecca, and Bartre and...I suppose Dorcas...want to go on. That just leaves Eliwood and Marcus." She turned her eyes onto them expectantly.
"I believe we should press forward," replied Marcus. "The lord Darin of Laus sounds like he's planning something. We should hurry to find out his plans."
Eliwood thought for a moment, then agreed with Marcus. Krista could tell he was worried about his father.
She consented. "Well, majority rules. We should pay our respects to Rebecca's family, and then be on our way."
"I just wish Rebecca could come with us." Lowen stated. Everyone in the room thought the same.
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"What do you mean 'they left'?!" Rebecca flew out of bed in a frenzy, refusing to meet her mother's gaze.
"Rebecca..." Dora pleaded, "Please. You're not fully recovered from—"
"I'm recovered enough!" Rebecca swung around to face her mother, bravely trying to hide her tears and put on an optimistic face. It wasn't working.
She ran to her mother and hid her face in Dora's soft, sweet-smelling hair.
"Mommy..." Dora hadn't heard Rebecca use that name in a long time. She hugged Rebecca closer and whispered:
"Yes, my dear? You know I'll always be here for you, my sweet child..."
"Mommy," There was that name again. "What's wrong with me?"
Dora was shocked. "Rebecca, why would you think something's wrong with you?"
Rebecca tore herself away from her mother's loving grasp, and stumbled to her bed. She then sat down and put her face in her hands, trembling with the effort of trying not to cry.
Dora was a mother. Her child was in pain. It was pure maternal love that drove her to do what she did next. She strode to the bed, sat down next to her child, cupped Rebecca's face in her hands, and kissed her on the cheek.
"Now Rebecca," Rebecca winced and lowered her eyes. "Why do you think something's wrong with you?"
"Because there is...there is..." Rebecca whispered.
"Dearest one, there is nothing wrong with you." Dora answered back.
Rebecca shook her head as if trying to rid herself of troubling memories.
"Then why...does everyone leave me?" she managed to choke out.
"They were worried that you wouldn't be able to..." Dora had to search for the right word. "Well, they were afraid for your safety, just like your father and I would be. Just like Dan—"Dora's hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened in shock as she realized her dreadful mistake.
Rebecca slowly got up from the bed, walked deliberately to the door, opened it, and then turned around to face her mother.
"Just like Dan, mother. Just like Dan."
Dora watched Rebecca as she got up from the bed. She watched as Rebecca walked to the door. She watched as Rebecca opened the door. She watched as Rebecca turned to face her. She watched as Rebecca's mouth formed the words: 'Just like Dan.' And still she watched as Rebecca shut the door.
For that is what mothers did—what they were supposed to do—watch over their child. Then why did Dora just sit there and watch her child walk away, maybe forever? Would she lose both children to the outside world? Dora stood up. No. She had lost one. She would not lose the other.
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Rebecca ran out of her house in pursuit of her friends. She was a pretty good archer, and they needed good archers didn't they? Her mind tried to justify why they would leave so soon after the battle. They were probably just in a really big rush, yeah, and...and...
Rebecca slowed down to catch her breath. What was she thinking? 'Oh Rebecca', she mentally criticized herself, 'I'll bet that the only reason they let you fight in the first place was because they badly needed more people. Get a hold of yourself! They don't need you anymore. They left so they wouldn't have to hurt your feelings...'
"Rebecca?" It was a man's voice that startled her out of her brooding.
"Yes, Father?" she asked, turning around to face him. She saw that his eyes had a look of mixed curiosity and suspicion.
"Where do you think you're going?" Rebecca winced at the blatant accusation.
"I..." she stammered, "I'm going with lord Eliwood." Her eyes widened in shock as she realized what had just popped out of her mouth. Was she really set on traveling with him?
"Are you really set on traveling with him?" her father echoed her thoughts.
"Yes." Again, Rebecca was surprised by the way her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own.
Her father smiled sadly. "You're just as stubborn as your mother."
A shadow emerged from behind him and said, "Oh yeah? You don't know how much trouble you're in now, mister! I'll show you how stubborn I can be." The shadow moved into the light and was revealed to be Rebecca's mother.
"Ahh...my dear Dora..." stuttered Rebecca's father, "I d-didn't see you there...heh heh..." He trailed off, looking very nervous.
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Dora laughed. It was her first real laugh since Dan...but it was better not to think of such things. Instead, she fixed her attention on the present problem—Rebecca.
Dora couldn't understand why her children were so fixed on going away from home! She could remember dreaming about them growing up and having kids of their own, and of course their kids would come and visit "Grandma Dora" all the time. She clenched her blue waistband in her hands. All of that changed when Dan and Wil ran away and left Rebecca alone...
Dora looked at her daughter, and saw the same determination, hope, and...joy that Dan must have had on his face when he went away. Joy. Dora had to avert her eyes. Was she such a failure that her children would be happy to go away?
"So..." What was she supposed to say? 'I'm glad that you're abandoning your father and I just like Dan?' No. No! Rebecca would never do that. She was a good girl, and good daughter. Dora couldn't lose her too...
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Rebecca saw her mother choke up. 'Oh mother,' she pleaded, 'don't do this to me. I have to go. I know I do...'
"Mother? Father?" They both turned toward her, hoping for an explanation. "I...I know...that you don't...want me to go...but, I could...I could..." Rebecca gulped. "Icouldgofindmybrother."
Rebecca cringed. She had said that way too fast. Taking a deep breath, she tried again.
"I mean...maybe I'll meet up with Dan somewhere...out there." She swung her arm out in a sweeping motion to emphasize her point, hoping that finding Dan was a good enough reason to go venturing.
Her father looked satisfied enough, but her mother.... Rebecca turned pleading eyes to Dora. 'Please understand', she thought, 'I don't want to leave without your consent.'
Dora took a step toward Rebecca. Then she took another. Then another, and another...until she was standing eye-to-eye with her. Rebecca shrunk back a little, expecting a reprimand for daring to speak of Dan in such a way. But...
Instead of seeing her mother's eyes harden, instead of hearing the harsh reprimand, and instead of feeling the acute ache of someone who has been rejected, she saw her mother's hands lift up a blue waistband, heard the swish of cloth, and felt it land softly in her own outstretched hands.
Rebecca looked up in shock.
"But mother! Your—"
"It's yours now, honey," Dora interrupted, "My mother made it for me, and now I should pass it onto you."
"...Thank you...mother..."
"Go with our blessing, Rebecca."
"Thank you, Father...oh, thank you!" Rebecca drew both of them into a fierce and joyful embrace.
After a prolonged period, which Dora wished would never end, Rebecca drew herself out of the embrace, wiped her face clear of any tears that might have appeared, and smiled. After seeing that smile, Dora knew that their decision to let Rebecca go was the right one.
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Rebecca could see her friends in the far distance—the VERY far distance, and her side was already throbbing. Maybe she should just go back home. She was sure her mother would like that, and her father, too.
Rebecca shook her head. No. She couldn't turn back now, not after having come this far. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if she turned back, so there was only one available option—to keep going.
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"Krista!" Krista snapped her head around to face the speaker.
"What?"
"That's the seventh—no, eighth!—time you have turned around to look behind us," replied a very stressed-out Eliwood. "You're starting to spook me out. Are you watching for enemies? Because Marcus—"
"No." Krista answered curtly.
"Then...what ARE you looking for?"
Bartre chose this moment to come in.
"Why, lord Eliwood, she's just on the lookout for little Rebecca!" Bartre looked pleased with himself.
"And you know this," Eliwood commented, "how?"
Bartre pulled Eliwood close like a conspirator, and whispered very secretly. "You see, Krista and I made a bet about Rebecca. She said that Rebecca would come after us, and I said that she wouldn't. Now...I only let you in on this 'cause you're our lord and all, but don't go telling anybody else!"
Krista rolled her eyes, then turned back around to look for Rebecca. That girl had better come soon! There was only so much gloating that Krista could take from Bartre.
As Krista became more certain that Rebecca would not appear, and more depressed about having to give Bartre 150 gold, she spotted something. No, no something...someone! Rebecca!
Krista could hardly contain her glee. Oooh...this would sure make Bartre think twice before betting against her again! She smiled and contented herself with watching Rebecca's slow and steady progress...which...wasn't...steady...at...all. What was wrong? Oh no! Krista remembered that Rebecca had gotten hurt pretty bad, and hadn't had enough time to heal properly. Krista decided that she would have to do something. But what? Could she stall the group somehow? Could she fake sick? Could she...Krista made an exclamation and slapped her forehead. Of course! Why hadn't she thought of it before? She mustered all of the air her little lungs could hold and—
"Rebecca!"
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She was tired, hungry, and in pain—a combination that she was not used to. Rebecca tried to be optimistic by telling herself that she was almost there and not to give up...but it was a losing struggle...
"Rebecca!"
The cry snapped Rebecca back into focus. Where did such a loud cry come from? She scanned the horizon for any sign of—there! Krista was waving frantically astride Lowen's horse.
With renewed vigor, Rebecca stumbled toward them while trying to wave back to Krista. Rebecca's waving seemed to attract Lowen's attention as well, and as a result, he swung his horse around and galloped straight towards her!
Krista had almost fallen off, and was now in the process of holding on for dear life and yelling profanities at Lowen all at the same time. Rebecca had to hand it to her; she could sure multitask!
Lowen finally realized that Krista wanted him to slow down, so he did, looking very sheepish with his red face and shaggy hair. Krista got off, still shooting Lowen dirty looks. Rebecca was so relieved to find Krista and Lowen that she didn't realize the rest of the group was coming up right behind them.
"Oh Rebecca!" Krista ran to hug and exhausted Rebecca.
Rebecca could only manage a weak smile in return, because she was so tired. By this time, the others were slowly gathering around her, concern and happiness etched on their faces—except for Bartre. He was at the edge of the group, moping about his lost bet.
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Krista happened to glance in Bartre's direction after she had let go of Rebecca. She patted Rebecca's shoulder in encouragement, and then started making her way toward Bartre. He didn't seem too happy about her move. She just rolled her eyes.
"Hey Bartre." He refused to give any indication that he heard her.
Krista sighed. For the second time that day, she cursed mens' stubborn pride. 'But', she thought, 'where would the fun be without it?
"Hey Bartre," she persisted, "You can forget about that bet we made. I think that we should just be glad that Rebecca came to join us, and—"
"Well, you know what? I'm not gonna pay you! So there! It was a stupid bet in the first place and..." Bartre trailed off and blinked in confusion.
"What did you say?"
Krista smiled. "I said that the bet is off, and that we should just concentrate on getting Rebecca settled."
"Oh..." Bartre still looked confused. "So...I...don't have to pay you?"
"No...but you CAN help to lift Rebecca onto Lowen's horse." Krista pointed to a Rebecca who was falling asleep on her feet.
"Alright." Bartre had brightened up considerably by not having to pay Krista. He walked briskly to Rebecca, lifted her like she weighed nothing at all, and placed her gently onto Lowen's horse. A muttered 'thank-you' was all he got as thanks as Rebecca dozed off.
"Poor thing," whispered Krista. "She had to follow us a long time to catch up..."
"She does have spirit," agreed Eliwood. Then to Lowen, "Can you ride with her and make sure she doesn't fall off?" He pointed toward Rebecca's sleeping form.
Lowen nodded and clambered onto his horse to sit right behind Rebecca. He looked a little unsure about how he would keep her from falling off, but then decided that holding the reins around her would be sufficient.
"So, shall we proceed to Laus?"
"Yes, Marcus, I believe we shall."
Bartre looked excited. "Alright! Let's go kick some answers from that lord Darin, or whatever-his-name-is!"
Dorcas sighed and didn't comment, although he did finger his axe a little more than he had to.
"Come on, slowpokes!" Krista had already climbed up behind Lowen, who was looking kind of embarrassed.
Eliwood and Dorcas rode with Marcus, while Krista and Rebecca rode with Lowen. Bartre flat refused to have anything to do with horses, so he was the one stuck on his own two feet. This was a good thing though, because Bartre got his freedom, which pleased him; and by the time they settled down to make camp, he was too tired to talk much, which pleased everybody else. A symbiotic relationship—that is what it was.
"I bet 150 gold that I'll beat you to Laus!" challenged Bartre. Then he took off running, laughing at the victory he was sure he would achieve.
Krista stared after his quickly-fading form. "But...that's the wrong way," turning to Marcus for confirmation, "Isn't it?
"Yes." Marcus answered, a rare smile on his face.
"Shouldn't we tell him?" asked Lowen. Dorcas snorted—his equivalent of a laugh.
"No," replied Eliwood. "Well...not yet anyway."
Everyone laughed, and Rebecca smiled in her sleep.
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Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? THEN REVIEW! Whew...that was a really long chapter. I didn't mean for it to be THIS long...oh well. Hope you like long chapters! Oh, and before I forget, does anyone know if the horses of Lowen, Marcus, Kent, Sain, or Rath have names? I know that Florina's pegasus is named Angel and I think Heath's dragon is named Hyperion, but it would be nice to know if the horses had names. Thanks.
Houyoku: Thanks so much for reviewing...again! Yay! Oh, and for the tips too. They really help a lot. How do you know so much about Rebecca?? Amazing. That's what you are. Thanks again!
?: Thanks for the information about Dan really being Dart the pirate, and thanks for reviewing!
The Story Master 125: You are so sweet! Thanks for the information about Dan being Dart undercover, and the information about how support conversations can sometimes give hints on who they eventually end up with! Yay! Thanks!
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Rebecca could hear singing. It was so soft and soothing and...somehow familiar. She slowly opened her eyes, and saw the source of all comfort and safety—her mother.
Her mother smiled down at her in the bed. Rebecca looked so beautiful with wavy emerald locks framing her face and eyes to match. Dora (I made up a name) could never understand why her daughter had never dated or even given hints on who she might like. There was Wil, her memory reminded her, but Dora pushed that traitorous thought to the back of her mind. Dan and Wil made their decision long ago.
"Mother?"
Dora was startled out of her memories by Rebecca's small voice.
"Yes dearest?"
"Were you singing just now? I-It was wonderful." Dora blushed at the praise.
"You can sing just as well as I can, Rebecca. But, not with that wound you have. You're lucky the arrow didn't puncture one of your lungs."
Rebecca rolled her eyes. It was just like her mother to change the subject off of her singing.
Dan and Wil had always liked it...
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"No no, Rebecca! Your form is all wrong!" A twelve-year-old Dan held up his hands in exasperation. "I thought you said you wanted to learn how to be a hunter!"
"But big brother, the bow's too big for me!" a teary-eyed Rebecca cried. "B-But I do want to learn! I want to be able to protect you and Wil and Mommy and Daddy and our whole village!"
"OK! OK!" Dan always felt guilty when Rebecca started crying. "Just try again. I'm sure you'll get it this time."
Fueled by Dan's words, Rebecca struggled with the large bow and managed to string an arrow. She then looked at Dan for confirmation.
"You're doing great. Now pull the string back. Come on. Use all your strength. There you go. Now, release it!" The arrow flew a whopping ten yards to land just short of the makeshift target. Rebecca's eyes became blurry with liquid.
"Oh no. Don't cry. You know I'm better with my axe, and you did really good anyway. Really." Dan comforted.
Rebecca turned her innocent eyes to Dan.
"R-Really?"
"Really. In fact, I think your success is even worth a song." Dan picked a wildflower that was near Rebecca, and presented it to her with a flourish.
"Ah. My fair lady. Wouldst thou grace my humble ears with a song?" Rebecca giggled, took the flower, and placed it in her hair.
"What are you talking about? You're using funny words!" She giggled again in girlish delight.
"He wants you to sing a song," said a voice from behind them.
Rebecca swung around, the fear on her face quickly changing to relief as she was who it was.
"Wil! You shouldn't sneak up on people!"
"Hi Dan! Hi Rebecca!" called Wil, "I'm sorry I scared you ("I wasn't scared," said Dan). I was just walking by when I heard Rebecca was going to sing. So, how about it little Wildflower? Will you sing for us?"
Rebecca blushed, suddenly very shy. "I-I don't know...I-If you r- really want me t-to."
Wil clapped his hands, and winked at Dan. "Of course we do, and we won't ever leave 'til we've heard every song you've got!"
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Against Rebecca's consent, a tear rolled down her cheek, then another, and another. Pretty soon, a full-fledged flood was soaking her blankets and her mother's shoulder, which had been kindly offered to let her cry on. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she stop?
"Poor baby," consoled her mother, "does it really hurt that much? You know you should've taken that vulnerary—"
"No, no. No!"
Dora, shocked that such force came from Rebecca, could only stammer, "Um...'no' to what dearest?"
"I-I had...I had..." Rebecca couldn't continue because she was too distraught. Dora cupped her daughter's face in her hands all the while humming quiet melodies that Rebecca had been fond of as a child. Unfortunately, singing seemed to make her worse.
Dora sighed.
"Rebecca." She forced Rebecca to look at her in the eyes, and Rebecca let herself be carried into their calming depths.
"I love you my dear. Now, tell me what got you so worked up." Rebecca took and deep breath.
"I-I...had no more songs."
Dora looked confused. "I don't understand. You had no more—"
"Songs! There were no more! Dan and Wil went away because there were no more songs! They left me! THEY LEFT ME!"
Suddenly the door burst open and Krista, Lowen, Eliwood, Bartre, and Dorcas fell flat on the floor. Marcus stood in the doorway looking embarrassed, which surprised Rebecca, for she had never seen him show any emotion before.
Krista was the first to recover from her fall.
"My lady," she apologized, indicating Rebecca's mother, "I take full responsibility for Rebecca's injuries. Please understand that if anyone left Rebecca, it was for her protection..." Krista stopped explaining to look at Rebecca questioningly.
"You WERE talking about the battle...uh...weren't you?"
Rebecca was just too emotionally strained at the moment to care about saving face, and so she laughed and laughed and laughed. She laughed until tears were again streaming down her face, and she glowed with mirth and mischief. Dora thought she could almost see her little ten-year-old girl again—back when Rebecca was unaware of anything but goodness in the world.
It was a good thing that everybody in the room, perhaps with the slight exception of Marcus, had a sense of humor. There had been stunned silence at first when Rebecca went into hysterics. Then Eliwood started chuckling; after Eliwood, Krista started to laugh; then after Krista, Lowen started; then Dorcas; and so on. Even Marcus smiled a tiny bit—a fact which he would later deny.
After a spirit-boosting five minutes of straight laughter, Rebecca got a hold of herself. She was starting to feel like her usual optimistic self again.
"Thanks guys! I really needed that. Maybe those bandits coming after our town was a good thing after all!"
"No problem!" replied Krista. And then on a more serious note, "But that reminds me of what we learned from the magistrate."
Rebecca looked puzzled. "You spoke to my father already? That was quick!"
"Well honey," explained Dora, "You were asleep for...quite a long time. Um...almost a whole day in fact." She stroked Rebecca's hair lovingly.
"Mom..." Rebecca complained, "I'm not a little girl anymore! You're embarrassing me!"
Everyone in the room tried to hide their laughter, but to no avail.
"It's OK Rebecca," comforted Eliwood after he could control his laughter. "I get that ALL the time from my nursemaid, Marcus, over here." He jabbed Marcus in the arm with his elbow. Marcus didn't move, but his mouth twitched ever so slightly.
Rebecca sighed in contentment. It had been so long since she had been with people her own age. She could stay like this forever. The bed felt so welcoming. The company was pleasant. Her mother was still stroking her hair. It all made her feel sleepy. But I want to stay up and talk with my new friends, protested Rebecca as sleep came to claim her once again.
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"She's tired. We should stay here and regain our strength—like Rebecca."
Eliwood tensed, staring at Krista's determined face. Her dark brown eyes glimmered with frustration.
"You know," offered Lowen, "We shouldn't leave before saying good- bye. It would be rude."
Bartre snorted. "Like you would know anything about manners."
Lowen looked shocked. "Of course I do! I'm training to be one of the greatest knights in Pherae, and it's hard work I tell you! Proper etiquette is one of the first lessons—"
"Lowen!" Marcus barked sharply, "We can discuss your training later. We must now concentrate on the matter at hand."
"Which is?" asked Dorcas.
Marcus tossed Dorcas a look that blatantly stated: Why would I need to explain something THAT obvious to you? His lips remained firmly closed.
Krista sighed. 'Men and their stinkin' pride!' she thought. Out loud, "Here's the deal. We have to decide whether or not to leave right now or wait and recover our strength."
"Oh." Bartre frowned in concentration. "Well, I say we go on fighting! What do you think, Dorcas old buddy?"
Dorcas hung his head in exasperation. Sometimes Bartre could actually seem intelligent, but other times...
"Hey!" Bartre poked Dorcas on the forehead. "Is anybody in there? Helloooo! If you're not goin' to perk up and talk, then I'm gonna vote for you!"
Dorcas was getting thoroughly annoyed by this time, but still he refused to answer. He wasn't a man of many words.
Bartre finally gave up trying to get an answer from Dorcas, and instead shouted, "Dorcas ain't gonna say anything, so I'm gonna vote for him!" He paused dramatically. "And I say...we go fight some more!" He looked very pleased with himself.
Krista shook her head. "Fine. So Lowen and I want to stay and recover—and wait for Rebecca, and Bartre and...I suppose Dorcas...want to go on. That just leaves Eliwood and Marcus." She turned her eyes onto them expectantly.
"I believe we should press forward," replied Marcus. "The lord Darin of Laus sounds like he's planning something. We should hurry to find out his plans."
Eliwood thought for a moment, then agreed with Marcus. Krista could tell he was worried about his father.
She consented. "Well, majority rules. We should pay our respects to Rebecca's family, and then be on our way."
"I just wish Rebecca could come with us." Lowen stated. Everyone in the room thought the same.
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"What do you mean 'they left'?!" Rebecca flew out of bed in a frenzy, refusing to meet her mother's gaze.
"Rebecca..." Dora pleaded, "Please. You're not fully recovered from—"
"I'm recovered enough!" Rebecca swung around to face her mother, bravely trying to hide her tears and put on an optimistic face. It wasn't working.
She ran to her mother and hid her face in Dora's soft, sweet-smelling hair.
"Mommy..." Dora hadn't heard Rebecca use that name in a long time. She hugged Rebecca closer and whispered:
"Yes, my dear? You know I'll always be here for you, my sweet child..."
"Mommy," There was that name again. "What's wrong with me?"
Dora was shocked. "Rebecca, why would you think something's wrong with you?"
Rebecca tore herself away from her mother's loving grasp, and stumbled to her bed. She then sat down and put her face in her hands, trembling with the effort of trying not to cry.
Dora was a mother. Her child was in pain. It was pure maternal love that drove her to do what she did next. She strode to the bed, sat down next to her child, cupped Rebecca's face in her hands, and kissed her on the cheek.
"Now Rebecca," Rebecca winced and lowered her eyes. "Why do you think something's wrong with you?"
"Because there is...there is..." Rebecca whispered.
"Dearest one, there is nothing wrong with you." Dora answered back.
Rebecca shook her head as if trying to rid herself of troubling memories.
"Then why...does everyone leave me?" she managed to choke out.
"They were worried that you wouldn't be able to..." Dora had to search for the right word. "Well, they were afraid for your safety, just like your father and I would be. Just like Dan—"Dora's hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened in shock as she realized her dreadful mistake.
Rebecca slowly got up from the bed, walked deliberately to the door, opened it, and then turned around to face her mother.
"Just like Dan, mother. Just like Dan."
Dora watched Rebecca as she got up from the bed. She watched as Rebecca walked to the door. She watched as Rebecca opened the door. She watched as Rebecca turned to face her. She watched as Rebecca's mouth formed the words: 'Just like Dan.' And still she watched as Rebecca shut the door.
For that is what mothers did—what they were supposed to do—watch over their child. Then why did Dora just sit there and watch her child walk away, maybe forever? Would she lose both children to the outside world? Dora stood up. No. She had lost one. She would not lose the other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rebecca ran out of her house in pursuit of her friends. She was a pretty good archer, and they needed good archers didn't they? Her mind tried to justify why they would leave so soon after the battle. They were probably just in a really big rush, yeah, and...and...
Rebecca slowed down to catch her breath. What was she thinking? 'Oh Rebecca', she mentally criticized herself, 'I'll bet that the only reason they let you fight in the first place was because they badly needed more people. Get a hold of yourself! They don't need you anymore. They left so they wouldn't have to hurt your feelings...'
"Rebecca?" It was a man's voice that startled her out of her brooding.
"Yes, Father?" she asked, turning around to face him. She saw that his eyes had a look of mixed curiosity and suspicion.
"Where do you think you're going?" Rebecca winced at the blatant accusation.
"I..." she stammered, "I'm going with lord Eliwood." Her eyes widened in shock as she realized what had just popped out of her mouth. Was she really set on traveling with him?
"Are you really set on traveling with him?" her father echoed her thoughts.
"Yes." Again, Rebecca was surprised by the way her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own.
Her father smiled sadly. "You're just as stubborn as your mother."
A shadow emerged from behind him and said, "Oh yeah? You don't know how much trouble you're in now, mister! I'll show you how stubborn I can be." The shadow moved into the light and was revealed to be Rebecca's mother.
"Ahh...my dear Dora..." stuttered Rebecca's father, "I d-didn't see you there...heh heh..." He trailed off, looking very nervous.
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Dora laughed. It was her first real laugh since Dan...but it was better not to think of such things. Instead, she fixed her attention on the present problem—Rebecca.
Dora couldn't understand why her children were so fixed on going away from home! She could remember dreaming about them growing up and having kids of their own, and of course their kids would come and visit "Grandma Dora" all the time. She clenched her blue waistband in her hands. All of that changed when Dan and Wil ran away and left Rebecca alone...
Dora looked at her daughter, and saw the same determination, hope, and...joy that Dan must have had on his face when he went away. Joy. Dora had to avert her eyes. Was she such a failure that her children would be happy to go away?
"So..." What was she supposed to say? 'I'm glad that you're abandoning your father and I just like Dan?' No. No! Rebecca would never do that. She was a good girl, and good daughter. Dora couldn't lose her too...
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Rebecca saw her mother choke up. 'Oh mother,' she pleaded, 'don't do this to me. I have to go. I know I do...'
"Mother? Father?" They both turned toward her, hoping for an explanation. "I...I know...that you don't...want me to go...but, I could...I could..." Rebecca gulped. "Icouldgofindmybrother."
Rebecca cringed. She had said that way too fast. Taking a deep breath, she tried again.
"I mean...maybe I'll meet up with Dan somewhere...out there." She swung her arm out in a sweeping motion to emphasize her point, hoping that finding Dan was a good enough reason to go venturing.
Her father looked satisfied enough, but her mother.... Rebecca turned pleading eyes to Dora. 'Please understand', she thought, 'I don't want to leave without your consent.'
Dora took a step toward Rebecca. Then she took another. Then another, and another...until she was standing eye-to-eye with her. Rebecca shrunk back a little, expecting a reprimand for daring to speak of Dan in such a way. But...
Instead of seeing her mother's eyes harden, instead of hearing the harsh reprimand, and instead of feeling the acute ache of someone who has been rejected, she saw her mother's hands lift up a blue waistband, heard the swish of cloth, and felt it land softly in her own outstretched hands.
Rebecca looked up in shock.
"But mother! Your—"
"It's yours now, honey," Dora interrupted, "My mother made it for me, and now I should pass it onto you."
"...Thank you...mother..."
"Go with our blessing, Rebecca."
"Thank you, Father...oh, thank you!" Rebecca drew both of them into a fierce and joyful embrace.
After a prolonged period, which Dora wished would never end, Rebecca drew herself out of the embrace, wiped her face clear of any tears that might have appeared, and smiled. After seeing that smile, Dora knew that their decision to let Rebecca go was the right one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rebecca could see her friends in the far distance—the VERY far distance, and her side was already throbbing. Maybe she should just go back home. She was sure her mother would like that, and her father, too.
Rebecca shook her head. No. She couldn't turn back now, not after having come this far. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if she turned back, so there was only one available option—to keep going.
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"Krista!" Krista snapped her head around to face the speaker.
"What?"
"That's the seventh—no, eighth!—time you have turned around to look behind us," replied a very stressed-out Eliwood. "You're starting to spook me out. Are you watching for enemies? Because Marcus—"
"No." Krista answered curtly.
"Then...what ARE you looking for?"
Bartre chose this moment to come in.
"Why, lord Eliwood, she's just on the lookout for little Rebecca!" Bartre looked pleased with himself.
"And you know this," Eliwood commented, "how?"
Bartre pulled Eliwood close like a conspirator, and whispered very secretly. "You see, Krista and I made a bet about Rebecca. She said that Rebecca would come after us, and I said that she wouldn't. Now...I only let you in on this 'cause you're our lord and all, but don't go telling anybody else!"
Krista rolled her eyes, then turned back around to look for Rebecca. That girl had better come soon! There was only so much gloating that Krista could take from Bartre.
As Krista became more certain that Rebecca would not appear, and more depressed about having to give Bartre 150 gold, she spotted something. No, no something...someone! Rebecca!
Krista could hardly contain her glee. Oooh...this would sure make Bartre think twice before betting against her again! She smiled and contented herself with watching Rebecca's slow and steady progress...which...wasn't...steady...at...all. What was wrong? Oh no! Krista remembered that Rebecca had gotten hurt pretty bad, and hadn't had enough time to heal properly. Krista decided that she would have to do something. But what? Could she stall the group somehow? Could she fake sick? Could she...Krista made an exclamation and slapped her forehead. Of course! Why hadn't she thought of it before? She mustered all of the air her little lungs could hold and—
"Rebecca!"
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She was tired, hungry, and in pain—a combination that she was not used to. Rebecca tried to be optimistic by telling herself that she was almost there and not to give up...but it was a losing struggle...
"Rebecca!"
The cry snapped Rebecca back into focus. Where did such a loud cry come from? She scanned the horizon for any sign of—there! Krista was waving frantically astride Lowen's horse.
With renewed vigor, Rebecca stumbled toward them while trying to wave back to Krista. Rebecca's waving seemed to attract Lowen's attention as well, and as a result, he swung his horse around and galloped straight towards her!
Krista had almost fallen off, and was now in the process of holding on for dear life and yelling profanities at Lowen all at the same time. Rebecca had to hand it to her; she could sure multitask!
Lowen finally realized that Krista wanted him to slow down, so he did, looking very sheepish with his red face and shaggy hair. Krista got off, still shooting Lowen dirty looks. Rebecca was so relieved to find Krista and Lowen that she didn't realize the rest of the group was coming up right behind them.
"Oh Rebecca!" Krista ran to hug and exhausted Rebecca.
Rebecca could only manage a weak smile in return, because she was so tired. By this time, the others were slowly gathering around her, concern and happiness etched on their faces—except for Bartre. He was at the edge of the group, moping about his lost bet.
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Krista happened to glance in Bartre's direction after she had let go of Rebecca. She patted Rebecca's shoulder in encouragement, and then started making her way toward Bartre. He didn't seem too happy about her move. She just rolled her eyes.
"Hey Bartre." He refused to give any indication that he heard her.
Krista sighed. For the second time that day, she cursed mens' stubborn pride. 'But', she thought, 'where would the fun be without it?
"Hey Bartre," she persisted, "You can forget about that bet we made. I think that we should just be glad that Rebecca came to join us, and—"
"Well, you know what? I'm not gonna pay you! So there! It was a stupid bet in the first place and..." Bartre trailed off and blinked in confusion.
"What did you say?"
Krista smiled. "I said that the bet is off, and that we should just concentrate on getting Rebecca settled."
"Oh..." Bartre still looked confused. "So...I...don't have to pay you?"
"No...but you CAN help to lift Rebecca onto Lowen's horse." Krista pointed to a Rebecca who was falling asleep on her feet.
"Alright." Bartre had brightened up considerably by not having to pay Krista. He walked briskly to Rebecca, lifted her like she weighed nothing at all, and placed her gently onto Lowen's horse. A muttered 'thank-you' was all he got as thanks as Rebecca dozed off.
"Poor thing," whispered Krista. "She had to follow us a long time to catch up..."
"She does have spirit," agreed Eliwood. Then to Lowen, "Can you ride with her and make sure she doesn't fall off?" He pointed toward Rebecca's sleeping form.
Lowen nodded and clambered onto his horse to sit right behind Rebecca. He looked a little unsure about how he would keep her from falling off, but then decided that holding the reins around her would be sufficient.
"So, shall we proceed to Laus?"
"Yes, Marcus, I believe we shall."
Bartre looked excited. "Alright! Let's go kick some answers from that lord Darin, or whatever-his-name-is!"
Dorcas sighed and didn't comment, although he did finger his axe a little more than he had to.
"Come on, slowpokes!" Krista had already climbed up behind Lowen, who was looking kind of embarrassed.
Eliwood and Dorcas rode with Marcus, while Krista and Rebecca rode with Lowen. Bartre flat refused to have anything to do with horses, so he was the one stuck on his own two feet. This was a good thing though, because Bartre got his freedom, which pleased him; and by the time they settled down to make camp, he was too tired to talk much, which pleased everybody else. A symbiotic relationship—that is what it was.
"I bet 150 gold that I'll beat you to Laus!" challenged Bartre. Then he took off running, laughing at the victory he was sure he would achieve.
Krista stared after his quickly-fading form. "But...that's the wrong way," turning to Marcus for confirmation, "Isn't it?
"Yes." Marcus answered, a rare smile on his face.
"Shouldn't we tell him?" asked Lowen. Dorcas snorted—his equivalent of a laugh.
"No," replied Eliwood. "Well...not yet anyway."
Everyone laughed, and Rebecca smiled in her sleep.
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Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? THEN REVIEW! Whew...that was a really long chapter. I didn't mean for it to be THIS long...oh well. Hope you like long chapters! Oh, and before I forget, does anyone know if the horses of Lowen, Marcus, Kent, Sain, or Rath have names? I know that Florina's pegasus is named Angel and I think Heath's dragon is named Hyperion, but it would be nice to know if the horses had names. Thanks.