Crossroads of the Heart
Author's Note: Fire Emblem is the property of Intelligent Systems and Nintendo.
Chapter 5: A New Beginning
Weeks flew by, and life eventually returned to normal for the numerous men and women who had stood their ground against Nergal and the Black Fang. Granted, the conflict had changed all of their lives, and the state of normalcy they welcomed at their journey's end was often a far cry from the state they had left in. For Lyn, the more serious changes were still to come; at the moment, she looked after Caelin in place of her indisposed grandfather. Her heart ached; it was plain to any who beheld him that he had not long left to live, and the answer this time was not so simple as it had been when Lundgren's poisons were the cause.
Her knights remained with her for now, with the exception of Wil, who had left with her blessing to serve Pherae alongside Rebecca. She had not yet told anyone but Florina of her plans to abdicate, but she thought that most people who knew her well were suspicious. Kent often inquired of her future plans, only to be met with an inconclusive response; even Sain seemed troubled now and then behind the bright smiles he so often favored her with. Their loyalty to Caelin was unmatched, but Lyn could not be certain if they would follow her under Ostian rule. Surely, Sir Wallace would have thrown a fit, and Lyn felt some measure of relief that he had disappeared again...
Though she had confided in her best friend the details of her plans to abdicate long ago, there were certain other underlying issues she kept wholly to herself. Not so long ago, she had thought her future to be certain; she had made plans with Florina to return to the plains, to return to a simpler time before she had discovered her Lycian heritage. She would forever keep the people of Caelin in her heart, but never had she seriously considered living the rest of her life in Lycia. Lyn wondered what her friend would think if she were to tell her what was on her mind now. She'd undoubtedly be shocked.
Hector... though his mannerisms were rough as always, and outwardly he seemed unchanged... Lyn sighed. What of those troubled looks, as though he had something important to say? What of those unexpected, entirely uncharacteristic embraces he had caught her up in at the oddest times? She thought back on something he had said... "I'm not like this to just anyone, you know..." She had been determined to find out what he meant by that, and now that she thought she knew...
How could she fall in love with Hector?
She recalled their first meeting; the armies of Laus had them surrounded, the task before them had seemed impossible. Yet her knights had remained by her side, ready to give their lives in her defense, and... from nowhere, Eliwood and this coarse, blue haired, axe wielding giant had appeared, fighting their way to the castle. She had seen nothing in him then but recklessness and a certain rough talent; she was honestly unsure when her feelings had changed.
Yet, even if he were to propose... even if she accepted... she still had plans to return to the plains. Perhaps not permanently, as she once thought would be the case -- Rath's parting words echoed ominously in her mind -- but at least temporarily, to ease her longing and settle an issue she had allowed to stagnate for far too long.
The Taliver Bandits. A loathsome lot, lacking in human compassion and moral conscience. They had been responsible for the devastation of the Lorca tribe, the murder of so many men and women Lyn had loved. Her tribe had been her family; the loss had been nearly unbearable. Back then, unfortunately, she had been nothing but a weak child with lofty ambitions, unable to exact her revenge. Her travels with Hector and Eliwood had changed all of that; she was certain that she was strong enough to crush them underfoot, to make them pay for their misdeeds.
Anger blazed through her; anger, and steely determination.
"What do you make of it, Sain?" Kent inquired, eyes scanning the horizon nervously.
"You know, Serra once said something of the sort," Sain replied thoughtfully. "I would rarely give rumors of these kind any stock in truth, but... you're going to strain your eyes if you keep on like that, Kent..."
"She's late," Kent explained curtly.
"You'll smother her with good intentions if you keep on like that," Sain quipped sagely, and Kent groaned in response.
"Will you stop trying to give me advice?! And you're a good one to talk about the dangers of smothering women..."
"Hey! My advice has gotten you this far, has it not?"
"Hah! If I'd have taken even one of the suggestions you had to make to heart... please tell me you're joking. Fiora is... she's..." Kent sighed, returning to scanning the skies nervously.
"Lovely, I know," Sain sighed, his eyes glazing over. Kent fixed him with a glare.
"I'd thank you not to think lewd things about Fiora -- I am standing right here, you know."
"Well! In any case, concerning those rumors..."
"True or false," Kent spoke evenly, "I cannot think that Lady Lyndis will take the throne. Though I think it more likely that she will leave to Sacae than Ostia..."
"What will you do, if that turns out to be true?" Sain sounded troubled; an odd sound for him.
"...My loyalty is pledged to Caelin, not Ostia," Kent explained, heaving a sigh. "As much as I enjoy knighthood... I think that I would resign..."
"Really? To be with Fiora, eh?" Sain teased, grinning.
"...Well, yes, actually. That is a part of it. She is a mercenary, you know..."
"I can't imagine you as a mercenary, Kent."
"I can hardly imagine it myself, but... she's often told me of the good cause she has put the money she earns to. Did you know, Sain, that thousands of Ilians die of cold and starvation a year? It is truly a terrible thing..."
"Florina spoke of it once or twice," Sain replied in a subdued voice. "It is truly a shame... Ilian women are blessed with such a unique sort of beauty! I'd be more than happy to rescue a few of them myself..."
"Sain! This is no joking matter!" Kent scolded, crossing his arms. "In any case, I doubt you'd have much of a chance in Ilia... Ilian women are very proud, you know."
"Oh, I don't doubt it! They have every reason to be so."
"...Ahem. In any case, Fiora and I would use the money we acquired to aid the poor families in Ilia."
"How perfectly noble. It suits you both, I must say."
"And you? Would you pledge your service to Lord Hector?"
"Hmm... I'm sure the women of Ostia are perfectly lovely..."
"That really is all you ever think about, isn't it...?"
"Hmph. And Lord Hector himself seemed like an agreeable fellow, at least when he wasn't scowling... yet..."
"Yet?"
"I think I might have better luck as an independent knight, what do you think?" Sain grinned, certain he had formulated the perfect plan. "In the past, those bothersome vows have merely been a complication -- as an independent knight, I could woo women the world over, without fear of being forced to leave their side in the name of some Lord..."
"Sain!" Kent exclaimed, wholly disapproving. "Knightly vows are what make a knight. You can't be a knight without them, it's... simply preposterous!"
"As I've always said, you're far too bogged down by tradition," Sain sniffed. "It's a brilliant plan, I assure you."
"...Unbelievable."
"Ah, look! There, I told you she'd be fine." Sain pointed aloft at some point in the sky, and Kent turned hurriedly in that direction.
"Yes, well. I wasn't that worried... is that Farina, too?"
"Oh, how perfectly delightful!"
"...I'd like to see you try to charm Farina," Kent scoffed, eyes still on the approaching pegasus knights. "She's far more interested in money than men, you know..."
"I'm sure I could convince her differently, if she'd allow me the chance..."
"Sain!"
"All right, all right! I'll leave you lovebirds alone... don't do anything I wouldn't do...!" Sain winked at his sometimes far too uptight companion, ducking away as Kent lunged at him threateningly. He laughed all the way back to Castle Caelin. Kent was so much fun to tease sometimes... well, most of the time.
"Umm... Sain?"
"Oh? Florina! You're looking absolutely stunning as always this morning..."
"Ah... yes. Thank you, Sain... umm... were those my sisters I saw arriving?" Florina stepped out from behind the corner she had been hidden behind, eyes cast downward at the floor. Sain sighed inwardly. So long they had been serving Caelin with each other, and still this beautiful, modest angel had difficulty making eye contact. Such a pity, her timidity... but even Sain knew better than to pursue Florina too stolidly. Lady Lyndis would undoubtedly have his head.
"You're quite right... though I'm not certain if they'll be wanting to be bothered..." Sain winked at her, and Florina blushed a most appealing rosy shade. It was all he could do to resist sweeping her off her feet right then and there!
"Um, well... I don't think they would mind too much... excuse me!"
Florina dashed by him, still blushing. Sain shook his head as he watched her go. Such a pity...
It wasn't so much that she was afraid of Sain; she knew him well enough by now to be almost accustomed to his attentions. Florina honestly wished she could control herself around men. She knew that the charming, green-haired social knight meant well, or barring that, at the very least meant her no harm. This was true of most of the men she had met, but her reaction was always so predictable regardless. Her heart would begin to race, her cheeks to flush, and inevitably she would find herself unable to stand her growing anxiety... well.
He understood she meant no offense, she hoped.
"Fiora! Farina!" She called happily, running to greet her sisters. Her service to House Caelin kept her from visiting Ilia often, and even if she was able to do so occasionally, she never knew if her sisters were home or on a mercenary expedition.
"Hello, Florina," Fiora greeted her warmly with a sisterly embrace.
"Morning, baby sister!" Farina exclaimed, clapping her on the back. "So, this is Caelin... how do you manage staying here all the time? It doesn't look all that exciting to me!"
"Well... my duties are very pressing..." Florina stuttered, at a loss.
"Oh, leave her be, Farina," Fiora sighed, smiling proudly at Florina. "She's pledged her service to Caelin, and we should be here to support her."
"Th-thank you, Fiora..."
"Hmph! When is this pledge up anyway? You'll be promoted as soon as you get back to Ilia, you know?" Farina shrugged, smiling in an unsettling fashion. "Of course, you won't be able to charge as much I can until you gain a few ranks, but I can give you some tips for that..."
"Farina..." Fiora spoke in a warning tone.
"What?! Besides, wouldn't it be great, the three of us leading our own units, working together for fun and profit?"
"That does sound nice, Farina, but..." Florina stammered, uncertain of how to respond.
"But she has other obligations at the moment, and you're certainly not helping," Fiora finished for her. "Isn't that right?"
"Umm... yes."
"Ahem..." Kent coughed uncomfortably, interrupting them. "I don't mean to interrupt, but we're taking up space in the courtyard... the stables are just over there. Follow me, if you please..." Kent smiled at Florina as a greeting, knowing that she simply grew uncomfortable when men spoke to her, and led the three of them to the stables.
"Thank you, Kent," Fiora replied happily, dismounting her pegasus and leading him along by his side.
"Aren't they just so cute," Farina muttered sarcastically, dismounting and leading her pegasus by the reins.
"Yes, they are..." Florina agreed, completely missing the sarcasm. Farina rolled her eyes, following behind Kent and Fiora, Florina at her side.
"I mean, I don't mind him, but Fiora is good enough at cramping my style, you know? I just don't work well with serious types!"
"I'm sure you'll grow used to him, Farina. Kent is very dependable..."
"I don't doubt that!" Farina exclaimed, shaking her head. "Well, Fiora tells me that there are some interesting rumors floating around..."
"Rumors?" Florina repeated, surprised.
"Yeah, about Lyn and Hector?" Farina sounded rather disbelieving. "They're not true, right? I mean, Lyn's your best friend. She wouldn't really go after him, would she?"
"What... what do you mean? I mean, I..."
"Don't tell me you never told her how you felt!"
"What are you talking about?!" Florina burst, genuinely angry at her sister. "I don't know what you mean! And I don't know a thing about... about Lyn and..."
"...It is true, isn't it?" Farina said, dumbfounded. "Florina..."
"Look, Farina... I... I couldn't even face Lord Hector long enough to thank him for saving my life! What makes you think that I would... that I could..."
"Is something wrong?" Fiora interrupted, looking back at them, an odd expression on her face. "Farina, are you teasing Florina again?"
"Whoa, geez! Why is everything always my fault?" Farina complained.
Kent led the sisters into the stables, directing Fiora and Farina to unused stalls. Pegasus Knights are well known for their strong bonds with their winged companions, and thus it is no surprise that it took quite some time for them to properly house their pegasi. Kent thought that he treated his mount well, but compared to these women... well. Following a disturbing amount of patting, reassuring words, and plenty of rather one-sided small talk, they finally indicated they were ready to go. Or, rather, Fiora indicated that Farina and Florina should go, for apparently she had some private matter to discuss with Kent.
"Hmph, I see how it is..." Farina sniffed. "I'll be back soon, Murphy! Let's go, Florina, we'll leave the lovebirds to their nesting..."
"Farina!" Fiora exclaimed, flushing red.
"Umm... yeah. I'm coming," Florina rushed to follow her sister out before Fiora could get started on some lecture or another.
"And don't you start teasing Florina again, you hear?" Fiora shouted as they shuffled away.
The two girls exited the stables, Farina still giggling at her parting comment. Florina would never understand why she delighted so in embarrassing their sister; she knew very well that Fiora was very reserved, and likely to take offense at many of the things she found humorous. It was hard to believe that the three of them were sisters at times, their personalities were so different. Yet, Florina knew she wouldn't have it any other way.
"So, what I was saying earlier," Farina inevitably began, and Florina groaned inwardly. Would the woman never give up? "I'd like to have a talk with this Lady Lyn, I'll tell you what--"
"Oh, Farina. Come on, I'll show you around!" Florina interrupted, dashing away. "I just know you'll come to love Caelin as much as I do..."
"Florina? Hey, wait up!"
She ran to catch up; Florina had already bounded away a good distance ahead. Farina smiled; at least her baby sister did seem quite happy here. She still wished that the silly girl would at least consider returning home with them, though. She had changed so much, but she was still the shy little girl she loved. She approached the castle gate, dashing past the bewildered guards, shouting at her to hurry up. Farina winked at one of the guards as she passed by, probably confusing the poor sap even further. They probably weren't used to seeing Florina so full of energy.
"This is the main hall..." Florina smiled, gesturing at the wide room they had walked into. "Lyn is always complaining about having to hold audiences here until Lord Hausen recovers..." They moved further into the castle, Florina pointing out everything of interest as they went. "The barracks are just down these stairs; there's a whole stockpile of weapons in there, it's actually a little scary... and over here are the kitchens, doesn't that smell wonderful? The dining hall is through these arches..."
"Whoa, this place is pretty massive," Farina conceded, sticking close to her sister. "I could probably get lost inside here..."
"Umm... yeah, it's possible..." Florina muttered, then blushed when she realized she'd said it out loud. "N-not that I ever have!"
"Hmm, what's up these stairs?" Farina inquired, gesturing at a rather grand staircase leading to a balcony above.
"Oh... Lord Hausen and Lady Lyn's rooms are up there," Florina explained. "I would show you, but Lord Hausen is very sick, and I wouldn't want to disturb him."
"I see... well, no big deal! Say, isn't that Kent's friend over there? The one who was always chasing after the girls...?"
"Hm...? Oh, you mean Sain... I wonder what he's up to..." Florina mused, glancing in the direction Farina indicated. That was Sain all right, and it appeared as though he was giving some sort of lecture to a company of novice squires. "He is the subcommander of Caelin's armed forces... it's probably some boring, official business..." she explained, not particularly wanting to face Sain again after embarrassing herself earlier.
"Well, there's only one way to find out!" Farina exclaimed, running off to eavesdrop.
"Farina! ...Oh, dear..."
"And that," Sain announced with a flourish as the pegasus knights came within earshot, "Is by far the most reliable method of wooing the serving women. Follow my advice, boys, and you'll soon be men!"
"...Will that really work, Sir Sain?" One of the squires inquired suspiciously, a skeptical look on his youthful face.
"Of course it will! Do you doubt your dear subcommander? It is a foolproof plan, I assure you!"
"Hmph," Farina snorted. "Doesn't sound all that official to me, Florina..."
"Oh?" Sain turned, clapping his hands with delight. "And who is... ah... the lovely third pegasus sister! It is truly an honor, milady..." Sain gushed, taking a bemused Farina's hand and bringing it slyly to his lips.
"Wow! You sure don't waste any time!" Farina noted, pulling her hand away.
"Hmm... well, that will be all, boys! You are dismissed!" Sain exclaimed, shooing the company of squires away. They filtered out slowly, some casting backwards glances, clearly anxious to see if their subcommander's "techniques" really worked.
"If men were half as interested in winning riches as they are in winning women, maybe they'd have some sort of use," Farina sniffed, crossing her arms.
"Ah, lovely and ambitious!" Sain exclaimed. "Truly, you've captured my heart!"
"Are you stupid?" Farina marveled, raising a disbelieving eyebrow. "I mean, I'd heard stories, but..."
"Love make fools of us all, my dear..."
Florina stood uncomfortably to the side, watching this encounter take place. She was rather envious of her sister; if Sain ever said such things to her she would probably run from the room screaming. Farina seemed to be handling it well, the two bantering back and forth, and Florina silently pined for such an ability in dealing with men. No matter how often she watched her sisters, though, she doubted she'd ever be so able...
The sound of quickly approaching footsteps captured her attention, a welcome distraction from the rather awkward conversation taken place nearby. A flustered page rushed into the room, sighing with relief when his eyes fixed on her. Florina immediately felt her man-induced fight-or-flight reaction kicking in as the page rushed up to her, breathless.
"Miss Florina! I've been looking everywhere!" He gasped, clearly distressed over some matter.
"Wh-what? F-for me? Is s-something wrong?" Florina stammered, taking a step backward. Farina and Sain looked over at them curiously, glancing from Florina to the flustered messenger.
"Lady Lyndis is requesting your presence immediately; if you please, follow me, Miss Florina," The page insisted, turning for the exit at a brisk pace.
"What's going on?" Farina asked bluntly, Sain standing nearby with a thoughtful expression.
"I-I'm not sure..." Florina whispered. "But... wait here, okay?"
"What?! You're going to leave me here with this... this..."
"Hmmm..." Sain mused, his expression suddenly not quite so jovial as it had been.
"Do you know what this is about?" Farina demanded as Florina exited the room, rushing after the page that had summoned her.
"Well, I can't be certain. Lady Lyndis is always confiding in Florina over every little thing," Sain pointed out. "But with Lord Hausen's condition, we all worry..."
"Is it really that bad?"
"I'm afraid so. The injuries he sustained following Laus's invasion were quite grievous... none of us like to dwell on it, but it is likely our most gracious lord is nearing the end of his days..." Sain frowned.
Farina followed his gaze toward the door her sister had disappeared through. Perhaps she hadn't picked the best time to introduce herself to the land Florina always spoke so fondly of...
"Kent..." Fiora sighed, closing her eyes. They were both righteous to a fault, each adhering to a strict code of morals, but to any outsider who did not know this things might have appeared a bit differently. Alone in the stables, with nothing but contented mares and three well-groomed pegasi to see them, locked in a loving embrace... "Have you decided... what you will do?" Fiora inquired timidly.
"I have," Kent replied firmly. He stepped away from her, resting his hands on her armored shoulders. "Whether or not the rumors concerning Lady Lyndis and Lord Hector are true, I strongly suspect that Caelin will be assimilated by Ostia following Lord Hausen's... passing..."
"It must be difficult knowing the land you've pledged so much of your life to, will..."
"I will never regret my service to House Caelin," Kent insisted immediately. "It has been an honor to serve Lord Hausen, and Lady Lyndis."
"Of course," Fiora quickly replied. "I didn't mean to imply--"
"I know," Kent assured her with a smile. "It is likely for the best... but I have decided that I will not follow into the service of Ostia."
"Oh?"
"Fiora," Kent spoke firmly, resolutely. "You... are an amazing woman..."
"...Kent," Fiora blushed, looking away. Having spent most of her life as a mercenary, she was entirely unaccustomed to such praise, but her embarrassment did not deter him.
"It has been my greatest pleasure to have met you," Kent continued, hurriedly now. "I feel that with you by my side, I can face any hardship, accomplish any task..."
"I... feel the same way," Fiora replied shyly, her heart racing. This was so unlike Kent...
"I would be honored... if you would allow me to remain by your side." A brief pause. "Fiora... I would follow you anywhere, support you in any endeavor. It is my fondest wish that, following my service here in Caelin, you would grant me such an honor..."
"You don't have to ask me that," Fiora insisted, an unique exhilaration born from intense joy sweeping through her. Everything she had hoped for seemed to be coming to pass. "You know that I share your feelings in this matter..."
"Then, Fiora," Kent pressed on, before he could lose his nerve. "I have one more request..."
"Y-yes?"
"That you would allow me to serve by your side... not merely as a friend, not as a simple comrade in arms..." His hands shook visibly as he withdrew a tiny package from some compartment on his person, and Fiora's eyes widened as she recognized what it was. "I ask that you allow me to serve you until the end of time; as your partner for life... as your husband. Fiora, it would make me the happiest man on earth if you would agree... to be my wife." He held his breath, meeting her incredulous gaze.
"Kent! ...Oh, Kent..." She gasped, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. His heart dropped into his stomach for a full second, until he realized that they were not tears of sadness. She threw her arms around him, perhaps the most shameless she had ever been, but if they were to be engaged, what did it matter? "Yes! Of course...!" She exclaimed, holding him tightly.
Kent breathed a sigh of relief, having never felt quite as surreal as he did at that moment. He had been so sure for a moment that he had been too forward, moved too quickly... the full weight of her words sunk in, and he returned her embrace, holding her tightly. They remained this way for some time; how long, he couldn't say... his sense of reality had fled.
"I--"
"You--"
They paused, and Kent resisted the urge to laugh. This again?
"I'm sorry," she whispered, and he could feel her breath tickle his ear. "Go ahead."
"...I love you, Fiora." There. It was simple, but effective, he supposed.
"Funny... I feel the same way..." She closed her eyes, leaning against him. "I love you..."
Kent reluctantly broke the embrace, taking her hand in his. He was surprised to see that he was still trembling, but there was little he could do to stop it. He slipped the ring on her finger; and though it was neither brilliant nor extravagant, they both thought that it looked perfect. Fiora examined her newly adorned hand, looking as happy as she'd ever been.
"...I must apologize for the setting, though..." Kent said absently, looking about at the stables he had suddenly remembered they were in. Fiora did laugh then, and he thought that he would never grow tired of that sound.
"Stables are arguably more sacred in Ilia than temples of Elimine," Fiora pointed out. "I can't think of a more perfect place..."
Well, as long as she was happy, Kent supposed. He certainly wasn't about to argue. A sudden ruckus outside caught their attention, and Fiora fixed him with a confused look. He shrugged apologetically; he still had a duty to perform -- Fiora nodded, understanding. Kent approached the door, looking outside curiously; there, in the courtyard, a large group had gathered, looking rather troubled as a whole. Wondering what was going on, Kent strode toward them authoratively, Fiora following close behind.
"I heard it myself," a castle maid was speaking in a high-pitched tone, almost enough to make him wince. "If he's not gone yet, he will be soon -- Lady Lyndis was just beside herself, it's just awful--"
"Has something happened in the castle?" Kent interrupted, feeling the blood freeze in his veins at her words, dreading the response though he knew what it would be.
"Sir Kent!" The woman squeaked, looking as though she might faint from this added excitement. "Lord Hausen, he--"
Kent nodded, interrupting her with a gesture.
"If you please, I would ask you to stop propagating rumors with the populace until this is sorted out," Kent scolded her, and she blushed in the face of this reprimand.
"Yes, m'lord," She mumbled meekly, casting her eyes to the floor. Kent sighed; he was sure she'd start right up again as soon as he was out of earshot. Yet there was no time to waste on such matters; he felt Fiora's hand slip into his, and they rushed to the castle together, hand in hand.
