Well, then… Another Raven/Lucius ficcy, again, for 30 Kisses (www(dot)livejournal(dot)com(slash)community(slash)30(underscore)kisses). This is for their 10th theme, "#10".
Disclaimer: Fire Emblem doesn't belong to me.
Believe in Me
Lucius shuffled his feet nervously and twirled a golden tendril of hair around his finger as Mark and the Lords poured over a map. Florina bustled by shyly, hovering behind Lyn as she delivered the news about the enemies' whereabouts. Lucius could hear nothing, could only worry as he viewed the solemn faces, could only fear the worst. Each battle, his heart clenched painfully with the knowledge that he – or worse yet, his liege lord – would die. Despite his faith, he was not yet ready to enter Saint Elimine's embrace.
"Relax," Raven murmured, leaning calmly against a tree. "What they decide will be the same whether you worry or not, so you need not be so anxious. That Mark is young, but he kept us alive so far."
"I know," the monk answered softly, "but what if we cannot win this time? What if the enemy is too strong, even with Lord Mark's guidance? What then, Milord?"
The redhead shrugged uncomfortably. "If that happens, Lucius, your worry will not change a thing."
"But—!"
"No 'but's. That is an order."
Cerulean eyes gazed down in acknowledgement. "Yes, Milord."
As their conversation conveniently finished, Mark stood and headed towards them, the Lords and Florina following closely behind. The small, rag-tag army came to attention.
"This is the situation," the tactician briefed them. "Our enemy seems to be merely Black Fang stragglers – a few mercenaries, myrmidons, archers; possibly a thief. They shouldn't be too much of a problem. However, there is a large number of bandits. They look disorganized, but their quantity could overwhelm us. I want our swordsmen out there, along with some of our faster members. Healers, too, but they must be protected. None of the enemies seem strong, so we would do better to reserve our forces in case something comes up later. I believe ten units will be enough."
Lucius edged closer to his mercenary lord. Only ten? And swordsmen? His best hope was that he would be called upon as one of the extras, so he could, at least, protect Raven as well as he was able.
"Let's see…" Mark strode through the army and called out their troops. "Lord Eliwood, Lady Lyndis, Kent, Sain, Raven, Guy, Matthew – we're low on funds; please see what you could find, – Serra, Priscilla, and… hmmmmm…"
"Lord Mark," Lucius offered hesitantly, "maybe I could—"
"No." The young tactician shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry, Lucius, but we need to keep you in reserve in case we come up against the Black Fang's deadly shamans. I know you wish to fight alongside your friend, but it would be unwise. So, please, stay here."
It was Erk who was chosen, and Lucius could do nothing.
"Lord Raymond! Lord Raymond, wait!"
Raven hung back to walk beside his companion. "Lucius, I told you not to call me that here."
The monk did not answer, but changed his words all the same. "Lord Raven, please be careful. Don't die, I beg of you. Don't leave me here by myself."
The mercenary placed a finger on his lips, asking for silence, and pressed a gentle kiss to his temple. "Lucius. Believe in me."
A soft smile bloomed across the golden-framed visage. "Yes, my lord Raymond."