Title: Tradition
Characters: Rath, Guy, Lyndis, Kent, Eliwood, Hector, and the tactician (Not a pairing as you can see. Because if it was, umm, whoa:P)
Word Count: 733
Timeline: This is set before Chapter 22, or when they go to Nabata desert.
Summary: The Sacaens of Eliwood's Elite go and celebrate a Sacaen tradition.
Spoilers: Rath's past I suppose. But it's only a tiny bit.
Disclaimer: Fire Emblem is the property of me! … Not. :P
A/N: Another non-romance, but I just had to get it out. LOL. Don't forget to review pretty please with sugar on top!

Kent quickly descended the inn's stairs, a worried frown marring his face. He had searched the entire second floor for his liege lady, and he had not seen hide or hair of her. Lyndis had missed breakfast and as her knight, he could not rest until he made sure she was all right.

The inn's tiny but cozy dinning room was empty save for the tactician and the Lords Hector and Eliwood. They were discussing something earnestly in hushed voices, but stopped when they heard Kent's approach.

"Good day to you, Kent," Eliwood said affably.

"Good afternoon, Lord Eliwood, Lord Hector, honoured tactician," he answered respectfully and accompanied it with a low bow.

"What seems to be the trouble? I've noticed that you've been quite anxious since the morning meal," the red headed youth asked.

"Indeed, my lord. I did not see Lady Lyndis at the table today, and have been searching all over for her. Have you seen her lately?" he asked hopefully.

The two Lycian nobles shook their heads no.

"Ah," the tactician finally spoke up. "The last time I saw her was the previous night. She and Guy said they were taking Rath out for his birthday. They said they had to perform a Sacaen tradition of some sort for the occasion."

"Oh? What kind of tradition?" Eliwood asked curiously.

"It is an ancient tradition that is done for every Sacaen when they reach their coming of age," the tactician smiled knowingly. "Since Rath was … not with his tribe when he turned sixteen, Lyndis and Guy insisted that he partake in it now before we leave for the Nabata desert."

"I see," Kent's frown deepened. So she was gone since last night? And now that their strategist had mentioned it, he hadn't seen Guy or Rath at breakfast either.

"Don't worry. Those three can take care of themselves," Hector assured him.

"Of course, my lord," Kent nodded.

It was true Lady Lyndis and Guy were skilled sword users. And Rath was more than proficient with a bow. He also had a sensible head on him so Kent was sure that the Sacaen mercenary would look after the younger two. But still there might be remnants of Lord Darin's men skulking about, not to mention the Black Fang as well. Kent would only feel better when he saw the three Sacaens again, safe and sound.

Deciding to look for them outside, Kent excused himself and strode over to the inn's front door. He was surprised when it banged open, narrowly missing his face, and a very inebriated Guy stumbled in.

His usually clean blue Sacaen style shirt had gravy and grease stains on it. Green hair was sticking out like branches from his braided hair.

Looking up at the Caelin knight, Guy gave him a sloppy grin.

"Heeeeeeey, Kent!" he said cheerfully. Guy tried to wave but that made him tip over dangerously. The auburn haired man managed to catch Guy before he could fall on his nose.

"Guy, what happened? Where are Rath and Lady Lyndis?" Kent asked uneasily.

"Oh, they're right behind me!" Guy slurred out and waved vaguely in the direction of the door.

"Thank the heavens," Kent breathed out in relief.

Looking out the door, he saw, to his absolute horror, Rath supporting an unknown muscular bald man. His arms were slung around the Sacaen's shoulder as they hobbled along towards the inn.

"That's not Lady Lyndis!" Kent almost shouted in mortification.

"It isn't?"

Guy turned his head to look out the door.

"Hey Rath!" he shouted. "I told you Lyndis didn't have a beard!"

Upon hearing this, a very drunk looking Rath peered closely at the stranger. He had a beard coloured similarly to Lyndis' hair, but that was all the similarity they possessed.

"… Oh."

With that said, Rath dumped the man to the ground and walked inside. Despite being completely smashed on alcohol, his gait was as steady and confident as ever. However when he tried to sit down on one of the dinning room chairs, he promptly slid off and ended up on the floor.

Kent didn't even bother to get his horse; he ran to the nearest pub as fast as he could.

Looking at the two men on the floor, Lord Eliwood and Hector glanced at the tactician.

"So," Hector said casually, "can we do that for my next birthday?"

A/N: Yes, this Sacaen tradition, which I completely made up, mind you, is to get the birthday boy/girl and his/her guests totally drunk off their rockers. XD