Crossroads of the Heart
Author's Note:
Fire Emblem is the property of Intelligent Systems and Nintendo.
Chapter 10: Whispers
Serra squinted up at the cloudless sky, frowning in utter disapproval. The plains were beautiful and all, if you enjoyed that rough wilderness type of scenery, but prolonged exposure of this sort... she made a frustrated noise, shielding her eyes with a hand. She had signed up to help Lady Lyndis settle a long standing score, not to ruin her complexion! Really, they couldn't just expect her to continue traipsing about like this with that sun beating down on her the entire way! She had half a mind to march right up and speak with Lady Lyn right then, in fact.
"...I don't know why I'm asking, but what's your problem?" Matthew raised a curious brow in her direction.
"It's this sun!" Serra complained, glad to have an outlet. Matthew groaned inwardly as he realized what he'd invited upon himself. "It's doing terrible things to my skin! You know, we, as faithful retainers, should receive just a little better treatment, don't you think, Matthew?"
"The... sun? So now you expect even the laws of nature to bend to your will?" Matthew snorted in disbelief.
"Don't give me that look, Matthew."
"Well what were you expecting from Sacae?"
"Hmph. Don't you patronize me. I wouldn't expect you to understand. You see, I, as a noble lady, have very delicate skin--"
"...Lady Lyn seems to get along just fine," Matthew interrupted, not exactly keen on hearing a lecture of the sort she seemed to be preparing for. "And I'd say, offhand, she's just a bit more of a noble lady than you..."
"Lady Lyndis?! Please tell me you're joking," Serra adopted an incredulous tone. "Besides, she was raised here, right? Not to be overly critical, but it really shows in her complexion..."
"...Funny, I haven't the slighted idea what you're talking about."
"Of course not. You're so blind to such things, Matthew, it's really no surprise..."
"Really."
Serra nodded vehemently, so self assured it might have been sickening if he hadn't grown accustomed to her airs by now. Content with the last word, they lapsed into a brief moment of welcome silence. Their journey thus far had been relatively uneventful, though the constant exposure to Serra and her insane rambling was certainly regrettable. Rath seemed to be leading them in a southern direction, and Matthew figured their destination would be among the scattered towns gathered on the mountainous border between Sacae and Bern.
"You know, Matthew, it is simply shocking to me that you could be from Ostia, and have such terrible fashion sense," Serra continued after awhile, as she inevitably did, every time, without fail. Matthew sighed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Simply put, Ostia is probably the center of the fashion world right now!" Serra exclaimed, her eyes taking on that frightening animated look that generally indicated a longer rant than usual.
"Fascinating," Matthew spoke in a monotone voice, though naturally Serra continued, oblivious to his insincerity.
"You're probably too busy sneaking around and making a nuisance of yourself to notice it," Serra eyed him critically, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm telling you, though, Ostia is probably even ahead of Etruria right now..."
"You think I make a nuisance of myself?" Matthew barely resisted the almost overpowering urge to laugh. That was rich, Serra calling someone else a nuisance.
"...Though I will admit, I rather like the elegant style the women of Etruria have all but perfected. Naturally, after all -- I've inherited their beauty and grace, why shouldn't I share their impeccable taste?"
"Can't you go bother Sain or something?" Matthew all but pleaded. "At least he'll humor you, right?"
"Maybe I should," Serra retorted, crossing her arms. "He's far more interesting than you, anyway, you boring old sot."
"I'm hurt, really..."
"Hmph!" Serra sniffed self-righteously. "And Sain doesn't humor me, just so you know."
"You think he's interested in what you have to say?"
"Of course he is!"
"Serra, I hate to break it to you, but I'm fairly certain whatever inane subject you happen to be rambling about at the time is nothing more than background noise for him..."
"...There you go, again, Matthew..."
"Excuse me?"
"Really, you're terrible at hiding things. You were always so jealous of Oswin, and now you're lapsing into that same behavior over Sain and me... it's pitiable, really..."
"That is either the stupidest comment or the worst joke I've ever heard," Matthew replied with a glare.
"Oh, please, you know it's true! I can't blame you, though, I mean my beauty is overwhelming..."
"...I think I've had just about enough of this," Matthew muttered, edging away.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going, Matthew? What if, this very instant, we were assailed by thugs! It's your duty to protect me! Matthew? Matthew!" Serra screeched, stumbling after him. Matthew had no trouble picking his way through the long grasses, but Serra...
She glared after him indignantly, giving up on catching him after only a few minutes of struggling in vain. There was simply no way she could travel as quickly in these conditions, and really, why should she debase herself for him trying? She tossed her hair back, holding her head up high. He could go on deluding himself all he wanted -- why should she care?
"My, my, why that severe look, most lovely lady Serra?"
She smiled. Someone who appreciated her. Naturally, he also seemed to appreciate every other woman in the camp, but... surely what Matthew had said...
"Hello, Sain. It's nothing, really," She turned to smile winningly at him.
"Really... well! If something is troubling you, my dear, do not hesitate to tell your humble Sain..."
"Hm. Yes, I'll keep that in mind..."
"Good, good! Hmm... now..." A rather alarming mischievous smirk -- at least, more than usual -- appeared on his face, and Serra eyed him carefully.
"What are you up to?" She asked bluntly, narrowing her eyes in critical appraisal.
"Oh! Don't tell me we've grown so close that you've no trouble reading even my most intimate thoughts..." Sain teased her, and Serra made a disapproving sound.
"I'd really rather you not have intimate thoughts when you're supposed to be speaking with me," Serra pointed out, frowning.
"Wait..." he looked genuinely puzzled for a moment, then raised a hand to smack his forehead as he realized the implications of his words. "Truly, you must believe me -- I didn't mean to imply--"
"All right, all right! There's no need to sulk."
"Ah, excellent! I knew you'd understand... but tell me, Serra..." There was that smirk, again. He sidled up to her in one smooth motion, and before she had time to step away, he had taken her hand in his, stepping expertly to position her such that her back was pressed lightly against the armor across his chest.
"Sain, what--!" She choked out, too shocked for the moment to move. Sain took full advantage of the edge the element of surprise had provided him, presenting a particularly pretty flower to her with his free hand. He held it before her, smiling though at the moment she couldn't see his face.
"Is this not a gorgeous flower...?" He inquired pleasantly. "I thought to myself when I saw it, that it was much like you -- a beautiful respite in a sea of drab grasses..."
"Sain!" Serra pulled herself away, her eyes wide. "It appears I've definitely underestimated you -- I thought, surely, you'd at least attempt some measure of decency around a sister of the Elimine faith, but--"
"Hmm, so you don't like it...?" Sain asked, his face taking on a crestfallen expression. "I even asked Florina about this one, and she assured me that it's definitely not a weed..."
"...What are you talking about?"
"...Nothing... it's just... my sweetest Serra!"
"Sain."
"No matter how often I see you, you always present the freshest and most lovely appearance!" He continued, gesturing with his flower still in one hand. Serra smiled in spite of herself -- he was a fool, but...
"I always have thought you had an eye for beauty..." She granted him. Having collected her wits, she was admittedly a bit curious as to how this would go.
"That is but one of the noble traits that runs in our good house!" Sain agreed, encouraged. "...And surely, it is what has brought us together now! Ah, Serra... we would make such a fine pair!"
"Well..." Serra pretended to consider it for a moment, donning a thoughtful expression. "I don't know about that quite yet, but..."
"Ah... a bit coy, are we?" Sain took on his teasing tone again, and Serra briefly wondered what exactly she was inviting. "Or... perhaps you wish to delay the pleasure to make it sweeter?"
"It's not that!" Serra exclaimed, blushing. "Honestly, Sain! You're just trying to get me to say yes, right?"
"For that, I would do anything, my dear!"
"Hmm... well, we'll see, won't we?" Serra adopted a teasing tone of her own, still blushing faintly. Was the man stupid? Did he not see these robes? This staff? She favored him with a smile despite these thoughts, wondering how he could possibly think... "About that flower..."
"Yes?"
"...What else about it reminds you of me?" She plucked it from his hand, smiling coyly.
Twilight approached the plains, seeming to set the endless fields of grass aflame. Rath paused, directing his horse with skilled hands and soft words. They had been traveling most of the day; though he himself had no problems with the pace Lyn seemed determined to set for them, the same likely could not be said for her companions. A glance backward confirmed these suspicions; he noticed the cleric girl -- the one he had picked out immediately as most likely to slow them down -- had secured a ride with one Lyn's mounted knights. He very nearly smiled as he wondered who was using whom between the two.
Regardless, the animals at least would need a rest -- he did not pretend to know anything about the Pegasi overhead, but he was certain these Lycian steeds were not accustomed to long distance travel across the plains of Sacae. A touch of the reigns, and his mount turned obediently to face the rest of the company; he noticed Lyn fixing him with an odd look nearby. She likely wished to go on...
"Lyn," He called her aside, and she approached him willingly, that curious look still in place.
"Yes? Is there a problem?"
"Perhaps it is in our best interest to stop here," He suggested calmly, already prepared for her disagreement.
"What?" She directed a brief gaze west, where the sun slipped steadily below the horizon. "There is some daylight left yet," She insisted, returning her eyes to his.
"That is so, but..." Rath explained his reasons to her, certain that she would relent. She was in a hurry to reach their destination, and that was understandable, but to let her judgment be clouded by emotion -- he did not think she would make that mistake. He thought too highly of this woman to allow himself to think it.
She did not disappoint him.
Their company seemed grateful for the respite, which was no surprise to him, and they started about the task of settling down for the night with renewed energy. Rath busied himself with caring for his horse, ensuring she was well fed, given enough water... he was occasionally teased among the more bold of his tribesmen for treating his mount with more care than he regarded himself with. He had little to say in response; they were probably right. He spoke soothing words in a low voice as he checked her over for any ailments -- stones caught in her hooves, or a loose shoe... any of these could cause severe issues if left unchecked.
A rustling behind him alerted him well in advance to someone's approach; he turned to meet them with an impassive glance.
"Rath...?"
Not an unwelcome visitor, at least. Certainly better than Guy.
"Lyn. ...What is it?"
"Curious... why seclude yourself out here, so far from the others?" She inquired. "You could give a person the impression you don't want to be around them..."
"It wasn't my intention to offend anyone," Rath spoke apologetically, though he wondered why he should care what any of them thought. Truthfully, he was surprised to hear anyone would notice.
"I'm not offended," She assured him, smiling now. Rath wondered if she had been referring to herself for a moment, but she continued before he could reach a conclusion. "I've come to expect it from you..."
He eyed her silently, unsure of how to respond to that.
"You know..." she went on, when it became apparent to her he wasn't planning on responding. "There's something I have always wanted to ask you."
"What's that?"
"Are all Kutolah men so... so quiet?" A brief pause, and Rath wondered why on earth she would wonder about such a thing. "I mean, my father and the other Lorca men didn't talk much, but... they were gossiping magpies compared to you."
Rath raised a brow; he hadn't known much about the Lorca, the smallest of the three tribes of Sacae, so he really had no idea how accurate a comparison that was.
"...And you never smile, either," She went on in a thoughtful tone. A thought seemed to don on her then, and Rath noticed her expression subtly shift until she looked... rather worried. "Why is that? Are you angry...? That I've dragged you into something yet again..."
"I'm not angry," He assured her. Hadn't he told her that before? He wouldn't have involved himself if he had no desire to lend his aid.
"But you don't talk?"
"There's no need," He explained shortly.
"...Oh."
She did not seem altogether satisfied with that answer, but he had no additional explanation to provide. She seemed discontent, a state that did not suit a woman like her.
"What's wrong, Lyn?" He prompted her, certain there was something there.
"Oh, nothing..." She sighed, closing her eyes. He waited patiently for her to continue; it did not take terribly long. "I've simply been thinking... the past few weeks, they've been..."
"...I heard about your grandfather." Her eyes opened, a question reflected in them. "I am... sorry to hear it. I know you worried about him often..."
"It had seemed that he was getting better," She sighed wearily. "Then, when Laus invaded... he never fully recovered..."
Rath watched her carefully. He had meant to offer his condolences earlier, but... he had not wanted to bring the subject up unwarranted, either. He knew, from the way Lyn had spoken of her grandfather during their travels, that they had been close. Yet now, with the subject breached, he had nothing left to say. She was strong; she would come to terms with her loss on her own time.
"...Enough of dark thoughts," She decided, breathing deeply. "Why... why don't you tell me about yourself, Rath?"
What an odd suggestion.
"You mentioned to me once that you left your tribe when you were young... but you never explained why?"
Had he told her that story? Strange... it wasn't one he told often.
"Why leave your tribe?" She prompted, waited for his response.
"...The tribe diviner saw a bad omen in the stars. As the chieftain's son, it was my duty to leave to prevent disaster."
"Disaster..." Lyn spoke thoughtfully. "You think...?"
"I can't say for certain, but..." Rath shrugged. "Our diviner... he told me I would know when the time came... that I was born in this land to stop the burning..."
"Then, that whole business with Nergal?"
"...Perhaps. At the time, though... I was less than four, without even the means to survive..." He wondered why he felt compelled to tell her this story. He could have let it go at that, but... he decided to finish, though it was still difficult to remember. "I wandered, not knowing right from left, and the people from other tribes laughed and ridiculed me." She was staring at him with a surprised expression now, and no wonder -- this was likely the most she'd ever heard him say at once. "I do not feel the loneliness now as I did then... but sometimes, I remember. I have never felt so alone."
There, he was finished. Let her take from that what she would.
"I see... that makes sense," She replied after a short stretch of silence as his story sunk in. "When I first met you, I felt like we had something in common... maybe it was because we shared the experience of being alone..."
"Lyn..."
"Yes?"
"You sure it's all right for you to be here? The others will be looking for you by now..."
"You're right..."
She took a step back, as though to leave, a conflicted look clearly present on her face. Rath wondered briefly what she was thinking of to prompt such an expression.
"...But..." She paused, "I don't... I don't want to leave you..."
What a curious statement.
"...I want you to know that when I'm with you... I feel safe. You may not speak much, and you never smile, but... I can sense your... strength."
"Lyn."
"So, please... let me stay here, just for awhile..."
"Fine." How could he refuse her anything? "As you wish."
The answer, of course, was that he could not.
"Do you see that?" Farina spoke incredulously. "I wish I could hear what they were saying..."
"Stop spying," Fiora scolded, pulling her sister away. "We said we'd make sure she was all right, not that we'd intrude on her personal affairs."
"Hmph," she snorted, shaking free of her grasp. "Her personal affairs are exactly what interest me! Do you see the way she's looking at that man?"
"Not the way she looks at Lord Hector," Fiora snapped.
"Give it some time," Farina muttered. "I know what I'm talking about."
"I don't know what you're planning, Farina, but--"
"Can you believe that this might actually turn out to be this easy?" She spoke excitedly, moving obediently with her sister back toward the others.
"Don't tell me you honestly think this situation -- whatever it is -- is simple," Fiora replied incredulously. "Of course, it's hardly surprising that you wouldn't understand..."
"I certainly hope you're not implying what I think... look, men are nothing but trouble!"
"Then why are you so anxious to involve Florina with one?"
"Well, I..." She paused thoughtfully. "You know, I have no idea. Some women like trouble, though, you know..."
"Do you really think Florina..."
"Can it!" Farina rolled her eyes. "I get your point. But I'm not changing my mind."
"I'm not going to let you do anything foolish," Fiora spoke severely, crossing her arms. "Remember that I'm keeping an eye on you."
"I don't need your permission to do anything," came the indignant reply. "I'm quite capable of making my own decisions!"
"I won't let you hurt anyone," Fiora clarified, knitting her brow with irritation. "A thing you're likely to do without realizing it, whether you like it or not..."
"Do you really think it might not be for the best if Lady Lyn fell for that man out there?"
"It's none of my business... or yours either!"
"Think about it!" Farina continued, gesturing excitedly. "She'd not have to leave her precious plains, then -- she'd be happy enough! And that would leave Florina free to--"
"Sssh!" Fiora hissed, ramming an elbow into the unprotected area just below her sister's breastplate as a particular person approached them in her peripheral vision.
"Mmph!" She grunted, nearly doubling over at the sudden assault. "What was that for?!"
"...Um... I thought I heard someone calling me..."
Florina looked from one sister to the other, wondering what all the fuss was between them. If they were arguing again, which would be just absolutely typical...
"No, we weren't calling you..." Fiora assured her in a perplexing guarded tone. What was there to be so reserved about? "Do you need anything? You've settled Huey down for the night? Eaten your dinner? Are you--"
"Yes, I'm fine!" Florina interrupted quickly, backing away. "Everything's taken care of, really!"
"Well, all right..."
"We were just headed back to camp anyway," Farina wheezed, having collected herself somewhat. "Lady Lyndis is fine, she's speaking with Rath."
"Oh... Guy tried telling Kent that was probably the case, but..."
"We all know what a worrywart Kent is," Farina muttered, earning a rather cold gaze from her older sister.
"Shall we?" Fiora spoke coolly, marching back toward camp with a stiff gait.
"...Well, I didn't mean anything by it!" Farina shouted after her, absently rubbing at her sore stomach. "It's the truth..."
"...Umm..."
"Whatever, let's get back," Farina smiled at her younger sister, moving up to walk beside her. "It's been a long day, hasn't it?"
"Well, yes, I suppose," Florina replied for the sake of being agreeable, though she personally had quite enjoyed herself. Flying for most of the day, above the plains... she had spent many days doing the exact same thing so long ago. She found it exhilarating, really.
"Tired?" Farina teased her, though not in a particularly malicious way. "I tell you, at least we're not stuck trudging around on the ground all day -- I can't even imagine!"
Florina nodded, agreeing with those sentiments wholeheartedly. She wasn't sure what she'd do if she couldn't fly... she shivered to think of it.
They reached the encampment, Farina still prattling on about something inconsequential; Florina nodded at the appropriate points, hoping she was putting on a convincing act. She simply wasn't in the mood to banter with her sisters, or anyone else for that matter... Farina was right, it had been tiring day of nearly ceaseless travel. Flying or not, it still wore one down -- those saddles were not comfortable after a certain period of time!
Fiora was already conversing crisply with Kent; Matthew and Guy were gathered off by themselves -- Guy had a positively pitiable look on his face, and Florina wondered absently what Matthew was having him do now -- and Sain and Serra were sitting near the center of the small camp, speaking in hushed tones. They'd likely all be heading to sleep soon; knowing Lady Lyndis she'd have them up at the crack of dawn, anxious to be off as quickly as possible. Florina stifled a yawn -- sure, it was understandable that she was eager to reach their destination, but she couldn't expect them to fight for her without adequate rest...
Ah, well. There would be time to fret about that later.
Florina bid her sisters good night, and after assuring Fiora that she was in fact feeling quite fine, turned in to sleep.
Her dreams, as they had recently often been, were fitful and disjointed, a tumultuous myriad of images that offered no respite from the chaotic mess her emotions were while she was awake. As she had expected, she was woken briskly from her troubled sleep just past dawn, the morning mist still clinging to the chilly air. Florina shivered as she pulled herself fully into the world of wakefulness, knowing the sun would make its presence apparent soon enough.
The rest of the company bustled about, fitting on armor, hurriedly packing belongings, some taking a moment for a quick meal garnered from their rations. Florina stifled a yawn, observing all of this with still blurry eyes. She stumbled toward where Huey stood, pawing the ground impatiently with a snort, seemingly anxious to be off. She spoke to him in practiced, soothing tones, fixing his reins and offering him a few carrots, which he was more than happy to accept.
"Still so tired, sister?" Fiora spoke at her side, engaged in similar activities with her own Pegasus. "Are you certain you're feeling all right?"
"I'm fine," she insisted wearily.
"...As you say," Fiora relented for the moment, hoisting her back across her shoulders. She swung a leg over the saddle in expert fashion, murmuring something too low for Florina to catch to her mount. "Don't be too long," Fiora advised her, her Pegasus prancing gracefully forward a few steps. "Rath says we should reach our destination sometime this afternoon if we make good time, and Lady Lyndis is anxious to be off..." She took to the air, the gusts of air generated by her Pegasus's beating wings blowing Florina's hair back, causing her to squint in its wake. She nodded submissively, though she doubted Fiora saw it. Huey let out a impatient whinny, and Florina hurried to join her sisters in the sky.
It was her favorite place to be, anyway. She quickly tightened the reigns, ensured the security of her saddle, threw on her pack and hoisted herself up, though without the practiced poise of her elder sister. She doubted she'd ever be so good as that. The ground fell away beneath her as she softly gave the command to take to the air, a familiar content sense filling her as the wind whistled past her mid-flight.
She wheeled about idly for a moment before catching up to her sisters, who were conversing mid-flight near the head of the company, which had finished its packing and begun to move. The three Pegasus sisters were naturally much faster than the rest of them, and they often had to wheel back before getting too far ahead, though they each kept a sharp eye out on the horizon for any strange activity.
Of course, they weren't expecting any trouble just yet. It was unlikely they would see anyone out here aside from perhaps a wandering nomad, or a tribe hunting party, neither of which should pose any problem for them. Still, Florina kept watch, the constant surveillance an adequate outlet for her attention, and a suitable way to keep her mind from wandering down paths she was frankly tired of exploring.
They halted briefly midday for lunch, though it was a swift affair, with Lyn clearly in no mood for dalliance. The conversations were short yet excited; they would be arriving soon. Florina felt the slightest bit of trepidation; the question of what they would find when they reached their destination hung unspoken in the air and weighed heavily on everyone's mind. The general consensus of predictions seemed optimistic, and Florina felt inclined to agree -- she recalled the last time she had been in the area they were headed toward with a shiver. Bandits ran rampant there, why shouldn't they find the ones they were after? This time, she'd have to take care not to land on one...
She blushed at the memory of how silly she'd been back then, her eyes searching ahead for signs of the scattered towns and ruined structures that marked the area around the border of Bern and Sacae. If Lyn hadn't appeared when she did... best not to think on it. The past was just that, after all, gone and done with.
Several hours passed with no respite, yet as the shadows lengthened to mark the late afternoon, the grasses thinned beneath her, and their destination appeared in the distance. She held her breath to quell the flutter in her stomach at the sight; somewhere in that collection of run down construction and ravaged civilization their targets waited, perhaps committing some new atrocity even as they approached. It would be a service to all Elibe if they were successful; no, when they were successful. There was no if about it.
She glided skillfully downward as they edged nearer, landing lightly nearby Lyn when they were nearly at the gates of the first pitiable village. It seemed the luck of the citizens of these border villages hadn't improved much since they had been there last.
"Hello, Florina," Lyn greeted her, a tightness in her voice Florina chose to ignore. It was understandable, so close to her retribution.
"Lyn... Are you all right?" Florina inquired, ignoring an irritated snort from her Pegasus. He did hate being used like a common horse for any length of time.
"Yes, of course," her friend assured her with her a nod. "Do you remember the last time we were here, Florina?"
"...How could I forget," She groaned, rolling her eyes. "I'll try not to cause trouble like that again..."
"We met Wil around here, too, if I remember right," Lyn continued in that reminiscing tone, narrowed eyes sweeping across the landscape ahead of them.
"Yes... I thought he was an enemy archer at first," Florina recalled. How frightened she had been, when that bow wielding man had rushed from the village gates toward her that way...
"This seems to be where everyone lacking direction ends up..." Lyn observed, as they passed unchallenged into the first hamlet. They garnered a few suspicious glances from the townsfolk comfortable enough to be out in the evenings -- which wasn't many -- though they soon relaxed somewhat upon realizing they were merely travelers. It was sad, Florina thought, that these people could grow so accustomed to raids from the mountains...
"The doldrums of Elibe?" Florina suggested, fixing the villagers with a look of pity.
"Perhaps," Lyn agreed. "But not the only, I'm sure..."
"I'm sure these people will be grateful when... when we're finished," Florina stammered out.
"I'm sure they will!" Lyn exclaimed fiercely. "It boils my blood to think of how these people must have suffered at their hands... even if it doesn't completely eliminate the problem, at least we'll have taken care of the worst of it."
"Right..."
A clattering of hooves across the run down road prompted both women to direct their gazes to an approaching figure -- Rath, looking grim as ever. Florina shivered; she had always thought him one of the more frightening men in their army. His severe expression, coupled with his remarkable aim with that bow... Huey nickered nervously, not liking anyone with a bow strapped to his back any better than she did. Near him was Matthew, followed by a frowning Guy. She murmured a parting word to her friend, taking to the skies once more.
The question now, of course, was where to start looking.
"Lady Lyndis," Matthew greeted her cheerfully, bowing slightly in that particular way he had that left the intention ambiguous. Truly heartfelt respect or satirical supplication; it was impossible to tell. He preferred it that way, though he usually really did mean the former.
"Matthew," She nodded in his direction, voice brisk and business like. "What do you think?"
"These people don't seem particularly... amiable," Matthew admitted. "I've always loved a challenge, though!"
"I see..." Lyn mused thoughtfully. "Well, we're counting on you."
"Just leave it to me," He assured her, smirking confidently. "There are several hours of daylight left; I'll get started right away. You go on and find a place to stay..."
"You'll catch up later?"
"Of course!"
He winked at her in typical fashion, and Lyn found herself grinning at his cheery demeanor despite her reservations about their current situation. He was a little strange, and certainly the best dispositioned thief she'd ever known. Not that she knew too many... regardless, Matthew had already proved himself invaluable in Bulgar; she doubted he'd disappoint her now.
"Finally," Guy muttered as Matthew took off on his own, breaking away from the party. "I thought I'd never be free of him!"
"...What when he comes back?" Rath inquired from beside him curiously.
"I can always hope he won't..." he sighed in response, his shoulders slumping.
"I think we all know Matthew is too good for that," Lyn raised a brow, wondering what it was that Matthew had done to garner such distaste. It was common knowledge that he had some hold over Guy, contractual no doubt, but as far as she knew there had never been any particularly severe consequences.
"You don't have to remind me!" Guy exclaimed in a strained voice, knitting his brow.
"...We should follow his advice," Rath spoke dismissively, turning his attention to Lyn. "Though I doubt the accommodations here will be... inviting..."
"Right," Lyn sighed. "The waiting game, again..."
"Just a little more patience, Lyn..."
She nodded, surprised at the encouragement. He was right; it wouldn't be too much longer yet. Knowing this, however, hardly made the waiting easier. Rath moved beside her, and Lyn looked up at him, recalling their conversation from the night before... the man was an enigma, but by his side... Lyn felt as though she could not fail.
Not this time.
Author's Note, Revisited!
Hm, first to answer a few questions...
First, to my hilariously mysterious anonymous reviewer! As for Hector, don't worry! He's my favorite character, actually -- he'll definitely be appearing again (not too long from now, if all goes well.) I'm looking forward to writing it just as much as you are to reading it, I think!
And to shnickers: I actually do treat the Elimine religion rather like that. Serra says in her A rank support with Oswin something to the effect of "Oh! But I have taken the vows of chastity... whatever will I do? Just you wait for my decision!" Thus, I go with the idea that the Clerics of Elimine do indeed take vows of chastity, but these vows (and their sisterhood) can be relented at any time of their choosing if they should wish to pursue married life (to account for her endings with Oswin, Erk, and Matthew.) Oh, and thanks for the well wishes on my midterms, just one left...!
To everyone else, thanks so much for reviewing! I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween! (Someone make me a Florina costume please. Ha... I'd wear it too. )
