Disclaimer- I don't own Fire Emblem. So there.
Review Note: Would the story be any fun if I didn't separate some poor units and scare them half to death later with worry for others? Also, if you want me to focus on a certain pairing, tell me in your review. Thanks to all!
Chapter 2 - Thoughts and Ideas (at camp 2)
Eirika sat on the slight rise near camp 2, looking out over the landscape. Farther away, she could see the shadow of camp 1. Behind them somewhere, camp 3 rested. It was quiet, and she didn't really like it.
It gave her mind time to think too much, and it always ended up back to Lyon. Everyone said he was gone, and she had to believe them, now. How could she not? The Lyon that she had come to know ever since she was a child was gone. The problem was, when she had looked at who she now knew as the Demon King, she still saw Lyon.
She shifted her feet, which were starting to bother her. She'd been on watch for the past two hours, andshe guessed it was now past midnight. Ephraim had gone back to camp a minute or two ago, wanting to get her something to eat. Her brother. Always looking after her, yet always set on the battles at hand or ahead.
Eyes narrowing, she turned to look at the large, unwelcome shadow that was Darkling Woods. She'd avenge Lyon, that she would. He had always been so peaceful, so caring. It angered her to think of the torment he must have went through, maybe still was.
A slight noise behind her caused her to wheel around, hand darting for her rapier.
"Hey!" Ephraim retaliated, grabbing her arm. "Eirika, it's just me."
Her eyes fell. "Sorry brother, you startled me."
"I'm sorry, at least you were prepared for the worst." He broke into a smile, the moonlight catching in his eyes and causing them to shine.
"Here." He offered her what must have been a small fish, already cut up.
"And for yourself?" Eirika asked before touching it.
"I ate earlier, when you wouldn't, remember?"
She smiled slightly. "Oh yes, thanks." Taking the fish, she shifted her feet again before popping a piece into her mouth. No forks and such in an army, no.
"You're tired. Our shift ends soon. You should sleep." Ephraim stated, looking in the direction of the woods.
"No, I can't. No one else will, why should I?" Eirika responded, not looking at him, either.
"I'm not going to argue with you, Eirika." Was her brother's reply.
Eirika didn't respond. The pair stood in silence, both looking towards Darkling Woods.
After what seemed like hours to Eirika, the sound of hooves met her ears. Turning, she saw Franz and Seth, both leading their mounts.
"Ephraim, our turn's up." She commented, smiling as the other two approached.
"Not much activity, is there?" Franz asked, running a hand through his sandy-blond hair.
"No, and I don't expect it to change." Ephraim agreed. "Well, we'll leave you two." He added over his shoulder, starting back to the camp.
Eirika stalled a moment, shooting a smile at Seth as she walked past.
Upon arrival at the camp, Eirika was relieved to see that several people were talking. It was better than the dead silence that had hung in the air while she had been on watch. Behind Ephraim's back, she yawned. Truth be told, she was tired, but she couldn't rest. Not while Lyon still suffered, not while this war was still going on.
Tana was next to her suddenly. "You look exhausted, you should rest." She said, voice holding a note of worry.
"No."
"Okay okay. By the way, me and Cormag were wondering if one of us should go check on the other camps. Just to see how everyone was faring and such."
Eirika nodded. "It might be a good idea. Let me talk to Ephraim and see what he thinks. I'll be right back." She waved to her friend, then jogged until she caught up with Ephraim. He was already sitting outside his tent, watching those around him.
"Brother, Tana and Cormag suggest we send one of them to the other camps." She began.
"Why? Do you think something's wrong?" He replied, getting up and eyeing her.
Eirika shook her head. "No. You're so serious. Just to check up, we've been separate for almost five hours." She shrugged. "I thought it was a good idea."
Ephraim looked away for a moment, obviously thinking. "All right. Why not send Tana to camp 3 really quick. We can send Cormag to camp 1 when she gets back."
"Thanks, I'll go tell her and send her off." Eirika replied, smiling. She turned to leave, but Ephraim put a hand on her shoulder.
"Tell her to be careful. We're still close to Darkling Woods. I'd almost rather send Cormag..." He trailed off.
"Nonsense. Let her be, she can fly just as fast with her pegasus."
Ephraim shook his head, smirking slightly. "Innes won't like it."
"As if you care what he thinks!" Eirika countered, walking away.
Tana was already waiting. Actually, she was already astride Achaeus.
"Ephraim approves. And do be careful." Eirika said simply.
Tana grinned. "Thanks, Eirika. I'll be back in an hour, promise." With that, Achaeus took off, Tana waving from his back.
Eirika also waved, watching as they disappeared into the dark. Tana would be okay, what could possibly happen?