Crossroads of the Heart

Author's Note: Fire Emblem is the property of Intelligent Systems and Nintendo.


Chapter 22: Two Diverging Paths

"…How did it go?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose…" Kent ran a hand through his hair. He looked harried and quite on end, but he managed to spare a smile for his fiancée just the same. She returned the gesture, though he couldn't help but notice the tightness around her eyes.

"I'm sure your men are sorry to see you go…" Fiora sounded apologetic, now, and Kent slipped his arms around her, prompting her face to suffuse with an absolutely irresistible blush. His smile softened as her eyes found his, blinking in a flustered fashion.

"They'll live," he replied simply, tightening his arms around her for a moment. "You're the most important thing to me right now, Fiora… you know that."

"Kent…" her blush deepened, and she looked away, mumbling something under her breath about being seen. Kent knew she was right, but at the same time, were they not to be married? They were allowed to show affection in the halls if they chose to, surely… still, he released her reluctantly.

"And you?" his voice took a more serious note, his face a more severe look. "Have you heard… well, this whole thing about…"

"Florina is being her stubborn self, as usual," Fiora confirmed, the worry apparent in her expression. "But as for Lady Lyndis and Lord Hector, I've not seen either one…"

"I can't say I've ever thought of Florina as particularly stubborn," Kent noted thoughtfully, and Fiora sighed.

"She is, in her own way. It's plain as day what she wants, now that I know… I wonder how I could have missed it to begin with. But… well, you know how she is. Always putting everyone before herself."

"Now that sounds like the Florina I know," Kent agreed, frowning. "She was always like that here, as a knight, too… always pushing herself so hard… to make Lady Lyndis proud, I suspect."

Fiora nodded, pursing her lips, feeling more than a little frustration at the whole situation.

"I can't say I'd be any happier even if, well…"

"If she did return to Ostia with Lord Hector, you mean?" Kent raised an eyebrow, and Fiora nodded after a moment's hesitation.

"It's not that I don't like him," Fiora added hastily. "He's just… well, can you imagine? Lord Hector and Florina?"

"…You've got a point there."

"It's just so frustrating, the situations that girl gets herself into…"

"Well… she had to grow up, someday, Fiora…"

"I know that. I do. I… I want to let her grow up, to let her come into her own – and stop that chuckling, Kent, I really do!" She glared at him, but she couldn't keep up that visage for long; she had always found his laughter to be rather infectious.

"Sorry, sorry…" Kent managed to compose himself, though his eyes still twinkled with mirth. "It's just…"

"Don't even say it. I know. I'm too overprotective – Farina likes to shove that down my throat often enough! But really, maybe Florina's right… do you think? If Lord Hector and Lady Lyndis reconcile, and she returns with him… well, Florina will move on, won't she? Maybe it is for the best…"

"Perhaps…" Kent cleared his throat, a bit out of his element discussing matters of this nature. "No matter what happens, it won't stop you from worrying about her, though…"

"Kent, I'm sorry. I'm acting silly, aren't I?"

"No, I don't think so… Fiora, it's perfectly fine for you to be worried about Florina. Besides, do you think I'm not used to it by now…?"

"I suppose…" Fiora smiled at him. He was so understanding; he always had been. Always there to listen, no matter how frivolous her concerns, always there to lend an ear and his strength when she required it… her hand went unconsciously to the ring that adorned her finger, and Kent raised an eyebrow at the look her face assumed.

"That's an intriguing expression. Care to share your thoughts…?"

"Oh, it's nothing… it's just… well… I love you, is all…"

"Oh, that's all, is it?" Kent was laughing again, but now his arms were around her again, and her blush was back full force. She found, however, that she no longer cared about being seen – let them stare. Let the whole world stare – what did she care, so long as she could be in the arms of the man she loved?

"You know I love you…" Kent whispered into her ear, and she nodded, her blush deepening to a distressing shade. "With everything finalized here, well… the cat's pretty much out of the bag. We're free to return to Ilia whenever you're ready…"

"Yes… Kent, are you really sure…"

"I'm certain, Fiora. I'll follow you anywhere…"

"The nights in Ilia are terribly cold… and the days aren't much better…"

"Then I suppose I'll have to rely on you to keep me warm…"

"Kent!" Fiora gasped, in a scandalized tone, though she couldn't deny the flush of warmth she felt herself at his words. "I never thought I'd say this, but you're starting to sound like Sain…"

"Now, that is a distressing thought," Kent blinked, raising a hand to brush a strand of hair away from her face. "Can you ever forgive me?"

"Oh, Kent…" she grinned helplessly, shaking her head. "Of course I can…"

"Excellent," he replied, and she noted the mischievous look in his eye a moment too late. "Then allow me to push my luck even farther…"

She was used to kissing him, by now, of course… but every time still managed to make her feel as light headed as the first. They broke away from each other after only a short time; Fiora couldn't help glancing about afterward, wondering if they'd been seen consorting in the halls like… well, like errant knights. Like Sain and Serra! She burst into a fit of giggles at the analogy, and Kent took a step away from her, grinning despite his utterly baffled expression.

"I'm glad you find me so amusing…"

"It's not that," Fiora managed to get a hold of herself, shaking her head free of those strange thoughts. "Never mind…"

"Well, all right…"

"Kent… speaking of Sain… have you spoken with him?"

"He's told me he's accompanying the knights back to Ostia, after all… he'll be commanding Ostia's Caelin division of mounted knights." Kent frowned. "Of course, I can't imagine what changed his mind…"

"Those two are going to get in trouble," Fiora shook her head disapprovingly.

"Well… I suppose he's Lord Hector's responsibility, now…" Kent looked none to happy about this. Fiora grinned, and he blinked at her mischievous look. It wasn't one she wore often, to be sure.

"Well, Kent… you have to let them grow up sometime…" she giggled, and Kent managed a scandalized expression, but only for a moment before conceding defeat.

"All right, you got me… we're even. And you're right… but it's still hard to accept…"

"I know, believe me. I know…"


Serra sat idly outside, resting languidly on a bench, staring up at the clear sky overhead. It was a rather warm day; though there were scattered clouds, she was grateful for the long shadow of the castle wall to provide some shade. She'd had little to do for quite some time… Lord Hector was finally speaking with Lady Lyndis, and Sain had excused himself to speak with the rest of the Caelin knights alongside Kent some time ago… she frowned. They'd all be Ostian knights, soon enough, of course.

She wondered, not for the first time, what Sain's plans were. If he'd return to serve Ostia with her and the rest of his comrades…

Well, of course he would!

She sniffed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. She shouldn't have been worrying about it in the first place! He hadn't said as much, but… he'd implied it, hadn't he? Yes, indeed. Besides, he had to have known the consequences he would have if he so much as thought about abandoning her now…! Her face took on a severe expression at the thought, and she tapped her fingers impatiently on the wood of the bench she sat on.

Restless, she stood up, swinging her staff idly as she paced. This whole situation was quite frustrating for her, really. She couldn't be in there to see what Sain was saying, she couldn't get in to see what Lord Hector was saying to Lady Lyndis – or more importantly, what she was saying to him – and quite frankly, it was infuriating to be left out in the cold this way! She had every right to know what was going on – or just as much a right as anyone else, at least!

She thought about sneaking back in to see if Florina had chased her sister off, yet, but was deterred by the fact that she really didn't want Fiora to catch her. Not that she was afraid of her. Of course not, she was merely… respecting an elder sister's wishes. That was all! Not the least bit afraid. Though the woman really did have to watch her manners, Serra noted, for she had been most unforgivably rude with her performance, earlier.

Surely she could appreciate her own sister's feelings! It was so tragic, Serra supposed, the situation poor little Florina had landed herself in. She was still rather reeling from the news the meek Pegasus knight had imparted to her; who could have thought a girl like Florina would fall for a brute like Lord Hector? It most definitely had gone right over her head, and Serra prided herself on her ability to pick up on things of that nature, too! So tragic… so hopelessly, romantically tragic… Serra sighed, allowing herself to fall backward onto the bench again.

She did dearly hope the girl would find the courage to return with them to Ostia, even if Lady Lyndis did not. Of course, if Lyn returned, she most certainly would return with them, probably to join the Ostian knights… but… Serra frowned. How terrible it would be for her, really…

Serra dismissed the thought, focusing on another possibility. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth – if Lyn decided to return to the plains after all, but Florina returned with them… well… she'd promised not to tell anyone, and she'd keep her promise! But… her smile took on a devilish quality, and her eyes assumed a misty look. It would be so terribly amusing, working to get those two together – and she'd do it, too, she'd even force Sain to help her out, probably – really, Lord Hector would need another woman to turn to, wouldn't he?

It was perfect. Serra sat back, satisfied. Of course, Lord Hector would be an absolute terror for awhile afterward, the silly man had never dealt with rejection well. Well, she wasn't exactly sure about that since he'd never been rejected before, but if the last few weeks were any indication, she felt perfectly justified jumping to conclusions. But after he'd cooled down a bit…

She smiled; and a figure she spotted approaching her from the castle widened that smile until it became a silly grin.

"Hello, Sain," she greeted him coyly, twirling a finger through a pink pigtail. He raised an eyebrow in response, placing a hand on his hip and eyeing her with a faint smirk she couldn't help but notice just happened to be ridiculously cute. She winked.

"Serra, my dear… how positively ravishing you look, framed so in the sunlight…"

"I'm in the shade, Sain."

"Well, your shine far surpasses that of the sun, anyway," Sain replied, without missing a beat. Serra had to admire his way with words, certainly. "You positively glow with radiance!"

"Hmm… well, you're looking rather nice today, too, I suppose…" Serra responded critically, tilting her head to one side. "A bit unrefined, maybe… but acceptable."

"Unrefined!" Sain feigned a hurt expression, his lower lip extending in a pout Serra was growing quite accustomed to. She giggled.

"You have to admit, Sain, for a knight you certainly do exude a certain crude air…" Serra allowed her eyes to wander over him from head to toe; he seemed to revel in this attention, despite her words. Hm… well, that was typical. "Look at you… you're all scuffed up, your hair's a mess… knight in shining armor, indeed!" She barely managed to gold back her grin at his hurt expression. "You're looking a little rough around the edges, Sain…"

"Rough, am I?" He responded slyly, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips. "I assure you, Serra, that I'll only be as rough as you'd like me to be…"

"Sain!" Serra whirled away from him, her cheeks flaming red at once. "I am the daughter of an Etrurian count – show some manners!"

"Forgive me," Sain dropped to one knee, holding a hand melodramatically over his heart. They were calling attention to themselves, now, thanks to his performance. Serra's blush deepened, and she hissed at him to knock it off; her distressed complaints went ignored. "It's simply that your tremendous beauty is too much for me to bear, at times, Serra… surely you must understand… if I cannot control myself, it is merely because a mere glimpse of your splendor is—"

"Okay, okay!" She hissed furiously, acutely aware of the glances and raised eyebrows being sent in their direction. "Get up, you oaf, you're forgiven! Honestly!"

"Wonderful," Sain smiled, quite unexpectedly taking her hand again. "Truly, you are too kind—"

"Get up!" Serra rolled her eyes, pulling him upward; he complied, surprisingly, that twinkle she was growing to love more and more each day still present behind his eyes. "You're making a scene!"

"Hmm… perhaps you'd like to go somewhere more private…?"

"Sain…" she warned; he held his hands up in a warding gesture.

"To talk!" he clarified, still clearly amused. She sniffed and crossed her arms.

"You want to talk?" she peered at him suspiciously.

"Well, honestly, we do have something to discuss…" he looked rather serious now, which was shocking enough, but Serra felt something other than surprise welling in her stomach. Something to discuss. She shook her head.

"Sain… you've settled everything with the knights, haven't you…"

"I have," he confirmed, nodding thoughtful. "Kent resigned, of course… he's leaving with Fiora… back to Ilia, I guess."

"Hn… of course he is."

"Yeah…" Sain looked a little subdued; at least, moreso than Serra had ever seen him. "Well… I knew he was going to, of course. He's really crazy about Fiora…" the subdued look slipped away, as though it had never been, replaced with an amused grin. "I always knew he'd come around."

"You're going to miss him, aren't you?" Serra placed a hand on her hip, fixing him with a calculating look.

"Well, ah…" Sain scratched the back of his neck, a little nervously. "It's just, well. It's hard to remember a time when Kent wasn't around, you know? Well, I guess you wouldn't know, but…"

"It's all right, Sain. Missing your friend isn't going to make you seem any less manly," Serra teased him, a suppressed smile making her lips twitch. "Okay?"

"Of course it doesn't!" Sain exclaimed, and for once it was him blushing between them. "And besides, it's not like I can't write to him or something. It's not that big of a deal…" He looked away, clearly not liking where the subject had gone. Serra decided to have mercy on him, just this once. Besides, there was something else she wanted to talk about, lucky for him.

"What about you, Sain?" She asked softly, crossing her arms. "Kent resigned… I know you were going to do the same thing…"

"Er… well, I suppose I was," Sain's eyes found hers again, and he shrugged. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about, actually…"

"Oh…?"

"Yeah… well… it's not too late for me to change my mind… I could resign…"

"But…" Serra blinked, confused. "Wait, what do you mean, change your mind?"

"The thing is, I told them I'd take over for Kent," Sain flushed again, and Serra stared at him, surprised. "You know, as commander of the Caelin Knights – I guess the Ostia division of Caelin Knights, now – but, Serra… if you don't want me to go back, I can tell them I've changed my mind…"

"Why wouldn't I want you to come back with me, you silly boy?" Serra blinked, surprised that he harbored thoughts like this in the first place.

"Didn't you say… well…" Sain sighed. "Look, Serra… this has been great, it really has been. You're…" He paused. "You're a lot of fun to be around… and I've really enjoyed—"

"Why are you speaking in the past tense?" Serra interrupted, aware that her voice was getting a bit shrilly. She ignored that.

"Serra… if I go back with you, I'm not going to be able to leave you alone. You know how I am."

"Who said I wanted you to leave me alone?"

"Well, didn't you say… aren't you going to, I don't know… you're a cleric… I don't want to get you in trouble... I really don't."

"Sain…" She stared at him, completely floored. He actually thought about these things? It was unbelievable. She reached forward, resting the palm of her hand against his forehead; he sent an inquiring stare in her direction.

"What are you doing…?"

"Making sure you're not sick! You're sure you're feeling all right? Do you have a fever? Chills?"

"Hey!" Sain crossed his arms, pouting at her once again. "I'm trying to be serious, here, and—"

"That's exactly the problem!" Serra responded, letting her hand drop. "Sain…" she pursed her lips, running the problem through her head. "Look… people will talk, but they'll do that no matter what happens, right? I'm the head sister in Ostia – and I can speak with Lord Hector, if it comes down to it…"

"I don't even think Lord Hector can change the doctrines of the Elimine faith," Sain grinned, teasing her.

"Well…" Serra smiled at him sweetly. "You still have a long way to go before I have to start worrying about that…" she patted his cheek, planting a chaste kiss there for good measure. He eyed her curiously, still blushing in that strangely adorable way. "…and if it does come to it… well… it's not like sisters haven't been married out of the service of the faith before…"

"M-married!" Sain blinked a few times, shaking her away as though afraid she might start biting him, next. "Now, h-hold on!"

"Oh, stop acting like a child, Sain!" Serra stamped a foot, exasperated. "If I were proposing to you, do you really think I'd do it in such a roundabout way!"

"I've never heard of a woman proposing, before…" Sain noted thoughtfully, before suddenly realizing what exactly it was he'd just said. "Er, I mean – of course you're not! W-well, so… it's all right then? If I go back with you?"

"Of course it is, you idiot…" Serra rolled her eyes. "And what do you mean, women can't propose!"

"I just said I'd never heard of it before, not that they couldn't!" Sain backed up hastily.

"Well, I have!" Serra insisted, crossing her arms. She'd never known anyone personally, but surely the details were unimportant. "In fact, I bet it happens all the time!"

"You think so?"

"Of course, I think I'd rather be asked, personally… over a romantic candlelit dinner…" Serra spoke dreamily, darting a shrewd look in Sain's direction, who was frowning.

"Serra…"

"Oh, stop pouting, Sain," Serra smiled, taking his hand in hers. "You don't have to worry about things like that just yet…"

"Hmm… well…" Sain slipped his free arm around her waist, regaining his usual easygoing demeanor with ease. "As long as you're sure… I guess I'll be taking Kent's position… kind of a lot of responsibility, that."

"Mm… that must be terrible for you," Serra teased him, leaning into his touch. "Afraid you won't live up to your friend's legacy…?"

"Of course not!" Sain exclaimed, putting on an air of confidence. "I'm going to blow his legacy out of the water, is what!"

"Is that so…" Serra laughed quietly, raising a hand to his dusty brown hair, smoothing it down to no avail; well, it always had been a rather impossible mass. Completely lacking in class, held back so by that tacky bandana… but endearing, just the same.

"You know, I mean it when I say you're beautiful," Sain informed her in a serious tone, and she raised an eyebrow in response.

"Well, I should hope so."

He grinned at her matter of fact tone, leaning forward just slightly, and Serra closed her eyes, inclining her chin just slightly…

"…Knock that off, the both of you."

If there was one thing that could have torn the two of them apart faster than the sound of that voice, Serra certainly couldn't think of what it was. She literally jumped backward, nearly tripping over herself in her haste, and Sain let out a most peculiar noise, somewhere between a gasp and a yelp of dismay.

"L-Lord Hector!" Serra exclaimed, sure her face looked much more like a tomato than anything else. Of all the people--!

"Lord Hector, sir, this isn't what it looks like, I was merely—"

"Shut up, Sain," Hector growled, and he complied at once. "And you…" Hector directed his gaze at Serra, who swallowed, her heart beating a mile a minute. "Get your things. We're leaving, after all."

"Wha--! But, Lord Hector--!"

"I imagine it's just us for the return trip, and I won't have you slowing me down," He continued, and Serra noticed for the first time how toneless his voice sounded. Normally, he'd at least sound angry with her. "Get going, go on!"

"Ah… um… y-yes, milord," Serra nodded, turning to go, her pigtails swinging as she spun away from them and back toward the castle.

Sain watched her go for a few moments, then looked from her to Hector, who strangely didn't seem angry with either of them in the least. Not that he was complaining.

"…I suppose you're coming with us," Hector spoke softly, and Sain blinked, realizing he was speaking to him.

"Er, yes. That is, if you'll have me, Lord Hector, I'd be honored to offer my services as the Commander of the Caelin Knights…"

"Commander of the Caelin Knights…" Hector couldn't find it in him to smile, but he did manage to raise an eyebrow. "…consorting with clerics out in the courtyard. Lyn sure does know how to pick them, doesn't she?"

"Ah… well…"

"…Look. Stop stammering. I don't care what you do with Serra, personally – I should be thanking you for keeping her out of my hair…"

"Oh…" Sain stared at him, a grin creeping onto his face. He got the distinct impression that serving this man would be an adventure in itself, really. People were always saying that there definitely weren't any Lords quite like Lord Hector…

"…Bah. Go on, she's probably expecting you to follow her anyway…" Hector ran a hand through his hair, making a dismissive gesture with the other. "I'd be happy to have you heading the Caelin division of knights. You'd better get your things, too… I'll be waiting."

"R-right. You can count on me, my Lord…" Sain bowed respectfully, still smiling, and took off toward the castle, sending a last look back toward Hector as he went. He'd turned away, toward the gate.

He knew where Serra had been keeping her things, of course, and she had in fact been waiting for him, after all. Though he did notice that she was packing rather hurriedly; clearly, she was still a bit shaken up at being caught with him by her own Lord. She glanced at him as he let himself in, the look on her face suggesting that she was deep in thought.

"You know, I think I rather like Lord Hector," Sain announced, watching her gather her things.

"Hmph. We'll see how long those sentiments last!" Serra replied, though he couldn't help but notice that she sounded just slightly subdued.

"Heh… you really don't like him much, eh…?"

Serra paused for a moment, blinking in surprise.

"I didn't say that…"

"You practically did," Sain argued, and Serra sniffed dismissively.

"Lord Hector is strange… he's rude, and he's coarse, and he's a brute…" Serra shrugged. "He's all that, but…" she sighed. "He's nice enough, really, when he's not too busy being a complete insensitive jerk!"

"I see…"

"Sain… did you notice the way he sounded…?"

"Huh? How do you mean?"

"Well, shouldn't he have been angry?" Serra shook her head. "But, nope. He looked so…"

"If I didn't know better, I might say you look almost worried about him, Serra…" Sain peered at her, curious.

"Well, he needs someone to take care of him!" Serra tossed her hair back, shoving a few more things in her bag hastily. "Oswin and Matthew aren't here, so… so…"

"So it's up to you, is it?"

"Yeah… but… well, it's pretty obvious what's happened, isn't it?" Serra dropped her bag, leaning back with a sigh. "We wouldn't be leaving like this if… well, if… Lyn had…"

"Oh…" Sain crouched beside her, picking up her things for her. "…That."

"…I wonder where Florina is?" Serra spoke suddenly, perking up quite a bit. Sain stared at her blankly for a moment, utterly baffled.

"Florina?"

"Oh, if we're going back now, I didn't even think – I have to let her know!" Serra jumped up, and Sain watched her, mystified.

"Why would Florina—"

"Never mind that! Where…"

"She's probably with Lyn, like always," Sain shrugged. "Which means she probably already knows we're going, right?"

"…But…"

"I don't think we should keep Lord Hector waiting…"

"Yes, but…"

"Why are you so anxious to see Florina all of a sudden?"

"It's… well, I can't say," Serra admitted, with a sigh. "But… it's very important."

"I really don't think it'd be a good idea to keep Lord Hector waiting," Sain repeated for emphasis, looking rather nervous. "I have to make a good first impression!"

"Sain, he already knows you from that whole thing from before. Don't kid yourself."

"Still… Serra, I really don't think it'd be a good idea to bother Lyn, and I'm telling you, there's literally no chance that she isn't in there with her…"

Serra sighed, conceding defeat, at least for the moment. Surely, Florina would follow them… right? She had to!

"…Oh, fine…"

She indicated for Sain to follow her, and he did so, lifting her bag onto his shoulder with ease, still somewhat suspicious of the whole thing.


"…Lyn…?"

Florina peered in from beyond the doorway, her eyes just visible, peeking from behind the doorframe meekly.

"…You called…?"

"Come in, Florina," Lyn beckoned her forward with a gesture. Florina noted her red eyes, tear streaked face… her heart dropped, but she kept up a strong face, surprisingly, as her feet carried her in and she closed the door behind her.

"Lyn… what… what happened?"

"I feel that I should tell you…" Lyn sighed, closing her eyes. "It's over. Everything's over…"

"W-what…?"

"Between Hector and I," she whispered, wincing at Florina's horrified gasp.

"But… Lyn…! Oh, no… no, no, no!"

"Florina, please…"

"Why?" Florina took a step away from her friend, staring at her with wide eyes. "How could you…?"

"I know you don't understand, Florina, but…"

"He loved you!" Florina shouted, and Lyn's eyes opened, staring at her friend with some measure of shock at the anger that was creeping into her voice. "He loved you, and you're… you're just… you're throwing all of that away, like it doesn't mean a thing! And don't you try to tell me that you didn't love him, either, because I know you did—you do – and… and… why!"

"I'm going back to Sacae," Lyn explained quietly. It was surprising, but she was entitled to her anger. In her place, well… she'd probably feel the same thing.

"You can't…! Lyn… you… he…"

Florina's voice trailed away; she couldn't put her thoughts into words. Or rather, she couldn't bring herself to say the words she thought to her friend, no matter how angry she was, no matter how furious

You had everything I ever wanted. Everything I was willing to give up for you, the one thing I would have given anything to have, the one thing I decided I didn't want… for you!

And you're throwing it all away like… like garbage!

"You…" Florina could feel tears welling in her eyes, making the room swim before her. She felt dizzy; she briefly wondered if she was going to pass out again.

"I can't stay here," Lyn went on in that same quiet voice. "Not for Hector, not for Caelin, not for anything or anyone. I never could have… this was never really my home. I… I belong on the plains…"

"But…"

"Florina… I know you think you don't want to, right now, but… I really want you to go back to Ostia…"

"What!"

"Hector… he… well, he needs someone right now, and…"

"No!" Florina exclaimed, shaking her head furiously. "I won't! I'm not going to go back to Ostia just because everyone – you, Serra, Farina – thinks that by… by taking advantage of his feelings--!"

"No one thinks of you that way!" Lyn shouted back, allowing a slight measure of anger to enter her own voice. "That's your silly imagination, and it always has been. No one would think any less of you for going back to Ostia with them – they're probably already on their way out – and no one would… would fault you for… for…"

"I don't care," Florina insisted, tears falling down her face, leaving wet trails on her cheeks. "I don't care what anyone else thinks anymore. I'm not going back with them. I'm not… I'm not some kind of puppet, I'm not going to do what everyone—"

"Everyone wants you to be happy," Lyn whispered, wishing she would see sense.

"Then let me go back to the plains with you!" Florina replied, her eyes darkening. "Or have you forgotten that promise, too?"

"I haven't forgotten, but Florina…"

"Please. I… I don't want to stay here, alone, Lyn… and I don't want to go there… I don't! Please."

"Florina, you don't want to go back to the plains with me…"

"Yes, I do!"

"You…" Lyn raised her hands to her face, running her fingers upward through her hair, frustration clawing at her from every direction. "Fine. I'm not going to chase you away. I could never do that."

"Thank you…"

"But, Florina, I'm telling you, you aren't going to like it… it's… it's not going to be the way it was before, when it was just you and me…"

"I know."

"The tribesmen of the Kutolah are known for their skill with the bow, Florina. There are going to be archers everywhere. And plenty of Sacaen men, all of them with bows."

"I don't care."

"…Florina…"

Lyn gazed sadly at her friend, who responded with a defiant stare, arms crossed, looking as determined as she'd ever seen. She'd grown up, Lyn realized, but… why was she being so stubborn? She didn't like Rath; she'd like him even less soon enough, that was certain. She was frightened to death of the men of Sacae, especially the bowmen, and still

"…I'm going to find Rath," Lyn stood, looking at her best friend with a sad stare. "Think about it while I'm gone, Florina… please…"

"There's nothing left to think about," Florina said simply, and Lyn looked away, and disappeared through the door, and out of sight.

She had a good idea of where to look, at least – her feet carried her toward the stables, almost independent of her rapidly changing thoughts. Florina being so stubborn – who would have thought – and the familiar nervous feelings fluttering in her at the prospect of seeing Rath again… she carefully avoided thinking about Hector, or at least tried to; never mind that she failed miserably.

Already she missed him; his smile, the way his arms felt around her, that bewildered look he'd get when she teased him… she shook her head. It couldn't have worked.

She had to keep reminding herself of that, constantly, to prevent herself from chasing after him and complicating things further. That was the last thing either of them needed…

A frustrated noise escaped her; why was Florina being so damn stubborn? She knew her best friend well enough to know that she wanted to go back with them… or, at the very least, she certainly didn't really want to leave with her to Sacae. Her life would be miserable among the Kutolah men, and… Lyn frowned as she approached the stables, wondering if Rath would be in there, of if he'd already gone. The latter was certainly a possibility. He wouldn't have been happy to find out he'd been tricked into coming here in the first place.

He was another reason Lyn was certain Florina wouldn't be happy, returning with her to Sacae… things had been nice enough when it was just the two of them, best friends laughing and hunting and training on the plains... but with Rath? She shook her head. Florina had never really been fond of him, which wasn't surprising – he was a bow wielding Sacaen, after all, and they'd always scared the daylights out of her – but she'd like him even less, considering…

Well.

"Rath?" she called softly, letting herself in quietly. There was no response, for a moment, aside from scattered noises from the various animals held within the building.

"Lyn. …You shouldn't be here…"

She spotted him, near the back, and noticed his horse was already outfitted for travel. Hardly surprising; she'd expected it, in fact.

"You're leaving…"

"Yes."

"Can I ask you one thing?"

"Of course."

"…Could you just… well…" she took a breath, and he barely managed to avoid sending her a sideways glance, to prompt her to speak. "…Wait for me?"

He paused, holding his body perfectly still.

"Wait for you…?"

"I'm finished here," Lyn explained, surprised at how she managed to keep the tremor she felt from reaching her voice. "…There's nothing left for me here. I'm… I'm going back."

"When did you decide this?"

"A long, long time ago…"

She stared at him, noticing that his face was still turned conspicuously away from hers. A thread of worry wormed itself into her mind, and she took a step back.

"Rath… that is, unless you don't want me to. But, I thought…"

"…Don't be ridiculous," he replied, and she could barely hear his voice, he spoke so softly. He seemed to be miles away, there in the back of these stables, and just the slightest bit of anger bloomed in her at his words.

"Then why won't you look at me?" she snapped, and he straightened, turning to face her as though obeying some command on her part.

"I wanted you to be completely sure," he responded, raising his eyes to hers. "Because… I knew if I allowed myself to see you again, I wouldn't be able to let you go…"

She stared.

"Rath…"

He started toward her, slowly at first, his steps quickening in pace as he drew closer. She remained where she as, watching him approach, wondering how exactly she was supposed to feel. She loved him; she'd wanted to hear that, hadn't she?

Yet, at the same time…

"You're… you're certain, then?" He stopped, close enough for her to touch, were she to reach out a hand to do so.

"I am."

He stared at her for a moment longer, and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her against him. She didn't resist; she even managed to return the gesture. There was silence for several moments longer.

"…You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that…" he whispered against her, and she nodded against him, wondering if he could feel her tears falling onto his shoulder. She wondered vaguely where those had come from… but another part of her thought she already knew.

It would never be the same… she loved this man, but he wasn't the only one. She could smell the plains in his clothes, in his hair… he personified everything she'd always wanted, everything that she was returning to claim. But as long as she lived, no matter how happy they were, she would never forget that he hadn't been the first, and that he'd never be the only.

And so she cried, and let him think they were tears of happiness.


Author's Note: Revisited!

NobleLadyofCaelin: Yes, there are a few chapters ahead yet.

MiketheWarrior: Wait, what are you doing reviewing? Hmm, it must have been a good one if it got you to actually leave some feedback. :)

Kitten Kisses: Foiled again by the review eater. :(

Angel White: I liked Fiora there, too, even if she was only in it for like 2 seconds. Yay. And it looks like you escaped the review eater, this time! Huzzah!

FenixPhoenix: I suppose it was rather harsh... well. Thanks for your review!

timmycheese: Fiora meant Serra when she was referring to the person Florina was willing to speak with first. Sorry if that wasn't clear. Also, if you're now holding a Sain/Serra flag, does it mean I've converted you:D

Silver's Shadow Tamer: Well, I can't give everything away, but I will tell you there are three more chapters after this, so this story is definitely not over yet... thanks for your review!

TheOneAndOnlyT: Yes, I had a feeling you'd feel that way, but... such is the life of an author. Sigh. Thanks for reviewing.

WildfireDreams: Well, Serra and Sain don't have an ending, but their supports are still cute. In my experience, Fiora usually turns out to be the worst Pegasus Knight, but I still use her every game at A rank with Kent, since I already have all her other supports... and even as the "worst" pknight she's still a great unit/mage killer. :)

shnickers: I pretty much agree with all of your opinions concerning the characters... and yes, poor Hector is really getting the short end of the stick here. And I can't always keep things hanging forever, as much as I might try to sometimes it seems... :P Thanks for the review, as always.

raitei: Thank you for your review!

Yugi the Other White Meat: Or should I call you Malignant Plate? I was so confused for a minute there:P I'm surprised to see that I've made at least one person dislike Florina (and I know there were others earlier that said the same thing.) Not my intention, of course -- it's not my intention to really make anyone hate anyone, but it seems to happen anyway... ah well. Florina is my favorite character... hopefully you'll find something redeeming for her by the end. And no, I never did include Wil and Rebecca -- the arc I was planning on introducing them with was never introduced in favor of something else, but... well, I think it worked out for the best. Adding in those two and the entire thing I had planned for them would have just put too much on my plate, sadly.

Chellybean: Hmm, I have a lot of people wondering about the ending and whether or not it'll be good for everyone. Excellent. :) Thanks for your review!

Kratos Aurion: It's perfectly understandable that the Hector/Lyn fans reading wouldn't have liked the last chapter, I was pretty much expecting it. As long as you don't like it because of a plot point that can't be helped, though, and not because of something that could have been fixed... :) As for everything else, well, I suppose we'll have to see what happens...

Maquareion: I fully intend on finishing, yes. Thank you for your review :)

Evergladelord: Hmm, hopefully everything will be sorted out for you soon. I don't intend to leave any confusing ends...

Mizuki: Thanks for your review!

GSFE: Well, now, I wouldn't consider Farina to be an evil character at all, but I suppose she does sort of play a villainous role of sorts if you're a Hector/Lyn fan... thanks for the review.

AmbieChan: Don't worry about taking awhile to review (you made it in just before this update it seems, nice timing.) I'm just glad you're still reading and enjoying the story, really. The exact same thing happened with Serra to me... I was pretty indifferent toward her until I started writing her, and now she's definitely high on my favorites list. I just love her now. As for Hector, well... you'll like the next chapter. Yes, that's a teaser. :) Thanks for the review!