A Footstep Away, An Ocean Apart
Disclaimer: I don't own it…how many times do you think I have to write this?
Yay! I got more reviews!
Ann2: Ok I was going to add Forde/Syrene in earlier but I thought better of it. You'll have to wait a bit. But on the bright side, Kyle/Lute are in this chapter!
Lemurian-Girl: Argh! Another typo of mine… Oh well, glad you like my pairing.
Wandering Cat: Thanx for adding this to your favorites! It's kinda funny how this story depends on Eirika's misery.
Hamano Ayumi: I'll try to make the chapters longer now.
Master Of Doom: I'm not sure what you're getting at, but either way I'm trying to get this story to center around Eirika.
Ulitheal: Thank god you like the story so far.
Blade liger knight: Oh I'm just glad no one's written BIG NASTY FLAMES at me for ruining their favorite character or something. Also glad people aren't throwing stuff at me for my pairings.
A/N: This is going to be my last chapter for this month and most of the next too. I'm going to Miami on vacation so I probably wont get to update. Knowing my friend, she'll drag me EVERYWHERE. But I'd like to ask if anyone out there knows what the hell Metis' Tome does. I know it increases the maturity of a character, but what does that do? I was thinking of using it in the story but I can't if I don't know its use. By the way, there's Kyle/Lute fluff, hints of Vanessa/Innes and some majorly sad Eirika/Seth in the end. Ok I'll shut up now.
The stars had long since appeared and the sky was a tapestry of crow's wing black. Eirika's group had finally reached Frelia's palace. They were greeted at the gate by the night watchmen who then summoned Vanessa from her quarters. Eirika admired the warm coloured tapestries that covered the reception hall. The floor was carpeted in a luxuriant red material and hanging rom the ceilings were elegant indigo drapes. Large intricate cast iron lamps lit the hall from the sides. This was all obviously Tana's work, her brother hadn't a clue as to the management and housekeeping of a castle. 'But if Ephraim has his way then Innes may just need to search for a new housekeeper.' Eirika grinned to herself.
Vanessa arrived not long after they were seated. She gave each of them a warm welcome before asking questions.
"Princess, why would you be traveling so late? Surely you could've rested in an earlier town. Not that we aren't pleased to have you." Vanessa hastily assured. The others lost interest and began to chat while waiting for their accommodations.
"Vanessa I'm not offended by your questions. But please, I insist that you call me Eirika," and at the horrified look on Vanessa's face, Eirika sighed, "Or at least milady. I hate to be referred to as 'princess'." Eirika told her, once a gain trying to rid herself of the dratted title. "As to your questions, well, we're on a bit of a deadline to Carcino and I'd like to get there on time if not a bit earlier. I also thought that I might as well drop by on the way to see Tana and how she's doing. It's seems she's turned the palace into one gorgeous mansion."
Vanessa grinned, "Yes, Lady Tana has done wonders to the palace. Apparently it was so beautiful that it made milord gag when he first saw it. Milady Eirika might you be going on that trip to see that foreign lady?"
Eirika was surprised, "How did you know?"
"Well, Lord Ephraim sent a letter here trying to get Lord Innes to go…" Vanessa seemed reluctant to carry on. It was Eirika's turn to grin.
"Heedlessly Innes probably looked at it in disgust huh? I wonder…could that have been because he already had someone in mind? Say a certain-"
"No!" Vanessa interrupted before Eirika could speak further; she was blushing and stammering badly. "I-I'm sorry milady. It's j-just that m-milord hates anything to do with marriage. He wouldn't even consider seeing the poor girl." Vanessa gave a disapproving frown as her voice took on a reprimanding tone.
Seth, who'd heard only the last sentence due to trying to stop Syrene from further harming Forde, mused out loud. "So that's why Lord Ephraim decided to force US on this trip."
"Yes, and when I get back, I'm going to give my brother a piece of my mind. He shouldn't go around trying to set people up, especially when he's that hopeless at it." Eirika looked pointedly at Vanessa who suddenly found the floor very interesting.
She then abruptly stood up, "Then let me get you and everyone else rooms for the night. Please follow me."
Seth gathered the group up and they followed Vanessa down a well-lit hallway, finally coming to another one with doors. Vanessa appointed each man and woman to a room then she opened the elaborately carved doors of two rooms at the end. She motioned Seth and Eirika into each and told the princess one last thing before leaving.
"I'm going to Lady Tana's room right now. She and Milord will know you are here by tomorrow. I'm sure you'll see them at breakfast in the morning. Now I suggest you rest before you drop of exhaustion."
Eirika sighed and looked around, seeing that this was the old roo she used to use whenever she came to visit. Except, it was a bit different. Tana had even manged to remodel the guest rooms! Heaven knows where she found the money to do so. It was now carpeted in a royal blue, a large light blue four poster bed lay in the center. A few bookshelves were placed along the walls, the mahogany desk and chair was still up against the right wall. To the left was a gigantic arched window that spread through most of the wall. It was draped in flowing, layered, navy blue silk. The room had been transformed magnificently.
Yet no matter how hard Eirika tried, she still didn't feel tired. She felt that if she stayed still for even a minute, she would burst. And so Eirika decided to take a stroll in the foutained courtyard. She'd often done it before, sometimes with Tana as a companion. The courtyard was filled with fragrant roses and elegant willows. Crystal fountains kept sprouting rivulets of glittering water made dark by the night. It was comforting to walk amongst the trees and flowers, hearing nothing but the silent sways of the wind and the gentle splashing of water. No one would be out here at this time, or so Eirika thought. All the silence made the faraway footsteps more noticeable. Eirika wondered who could be out at this time…
(Sorry but you'll just have to wait till AFTER the Kyle/Lute fluff. Blame it on Ann2 who gave me the idea. You may skip it if you want.)
Starting off from when Eirika left her room...
Kyle came out of his bathroom to find Lute reading a book on his bed. Her lavender hair cascaded down her back while two strands hung in the front. Her purple dress was crumpled as she softly kicked the bed covers.
"Lute pray tell why you're in my room." Kyle asked as he resumed toweling his hair dry. At the sound of his voice Lute looked up from her studies and sat up, straightening her dress in the process.
"Milord, I was wondering if you could give me extra riding lessons in the morning, when everyone's asleep so they don't see me fall. Truth betold, ridding side-saddle is much harder than it looks." Lute admitted, "I feel like a hundred wyverns had just run me over, and it was incredibly hard to stay on. I'd rather not chance another day like that. Or else my bruises will be bruised!" Kyle grinned at her declaration, he was wondering how long before she came to that conclusion.
"Yes well I believe your nails almost dislodged a whole layer of skin on my arms today. It'll be a relief when you get back on Alare." Kyle told her gruffly. "Just let me finish drying my hair before we discuss the schedule. By the way, why didn't you get Syrene or the others to help? They're more patient when it comes to teaching." Kyle made a futile attempt at drying his wet hair, making it even more unruly.
Lute raised an eyebrow and walked over. "Here let me. You, milord, are absolutely hopeless at this." Lute snatched the towel from him, who decided it was best that she did it. "As for your question, Syrene's in her room fuming, I don't dare go in. Marisa isn't in her room and Gerik's room is locked. I'm not even going to ask Forde and Neimi and Colm can barely teach a child to eat candy. Also, the whole point is to not let the others know I can't ride but if I don't get help now I'll have to face another day side-saddle." Lute stopped drying and dropped her hands to Kyle's shoulders. She stared into his sea-green eyes and found herself captivated by them. She drew his face nearer until their noses were almost touching. Lute noticed a faint spark of amusement in his eyes before their lips touched. And then…it was as if the world no longer existed.
The kiss filled her body with rushed warmth, a tingling sensation traveled down her spine sending slight shivers throughout her body. Kyle's lips were gentle and soft as they just barely brushed against hers. 'Oh milord, you are such a gentleman.' Lute thought before she deepened it.
Now this would've been very romantic if it had not been for Forde and his horrible timing. The said Paladin barged in only to be found gaping like a fish out of water, what ever he had been about to say was forgotten.
The couple quickly broke apart after the door was unceremoniously knocked open. Lute quickly disentangled her arms from Kyle while he removed his hands from her waist. After his initial shock Forde began to grin an evil smile that promised trouble.
"My, my, Kyle I always thought that you were such a gentleman. Who'd have known that Renais oh-so-noble general would be doing this behind closed doors. So what happened to 'I was only doing a knight's duty?' and to think I believed you didn't care about all those swooning ladies…" Forde teased relentlessly. Unaware in his delight that Lute had her Thunder book out and was crackling at her hair tips.
Kyle frowned, "Forde…" He warned
Forde didn't even stop for breath, he was having too much fun. "What? Ticked that I finally caught you-!" A thick blue thunderbolt struck his feet. Forde yelped and jumped away, coming face to face with a red-eyed sage. Lute in her normal condition was impressive. Lute in angry mode was a whole different story. She could've rivaled the Demon King at that point. Forde, luckily, took the hint that time and bolted out slamming the door closed behind him.
Lute turned back, embarrassed at her display of anger. "I'm sorry milord , um, could we start lessons tomorrow morning at sunrise please?" She looked unsure and her blush mad it even worse.
Kyle bent and kissed her gently on the lips, lingering slightly before stepping away. "Very well, tomorrow morning in the stables." Lute nodded mutely and headed out the door. "And Lute, don't call me 'milord'. I have a name."
Back to Eirika...
Eirika gasped slightly as she saw the familiar crimson hair, darkened by the night yet illuminated by moonlight. On one hand she hoped he would not see her, on the other she longed for him to notice. Talk about conflicting emotions, well, she got her last wish.
"Milady Eirika?" Seth's ringing voice asked in a soft tone as it cut through the silent air. His figure came into view not long after. "Why are you out so late? Milady you should be resting."
Eirika stopped herself in time from making a face. "I couldn't sleep, you?"
Seth smiled and nodded understanding. "Would you like some company then?"
The question was not unusual, and coming from Seth it could've just been general courtesy. But all in all it made Eirika's heart beat at an abnormal rate. She took a seat on a carved stone bench and motioned for Seth to sit beside her. When he did, it was both calming and unnerving. To have the person of your dreams right there, not even an arm's length away, but also to know the painful fact that his heart and soul were bound to another; Duty, it was almost too much to bear.
They sat in companionable silence for awhile. Then Eirika felt her eyes wander from the tranquil scenery to the knight beside her. She took in his chiseled features, shadowed by the dark. She saw the way his hair blew in the gentle wind, how his bangs slightly covered his eyes. She observed the steady even breaths he took, the loose fitting pants and the flowing white shirt that billowed in the breeze. It soon became not enough to just drink in his sight. Eirika felt the stirring o that deep, hollow longing to hold him begin to stir again. 'If only I had the strength to just freely lay my feelings at his feet, but I still care too much about what may happen.' Eirika thought sorrowfully in her head. 'If I had a stronger will I wouldn't care if he stomped on them, but I don't. I guess I have only myself to blame.'
She didn't notice that Seth had begun to look at her. A calm, tender smile played on the corners of his mouth. "Milady? Is something bothering you?" Eirika jolted out of her thoughts just in time.
"Oh, no. No, it's nothing…"Eirika's sapphire eyes clouded with sadness and pain, no longer shining with their usual spirit. Seth noticed and started to worry, he was about to ask another question when Eirika decided to talk again. "Why are you out here? You never told me."
At this Seth eased back in his seat and frowned, "I-I guess I couldn't get to sleep either." It was not a lie but Eirika knew there was more to the truth. Experience had taught her to seek out lies.
She put a hand on Seth's arm, forcing him to look at her. In a stern voice she rarely used Eirika demanded to know. "Seth, as your liege I command you to tell me what ails you." And she braced herself for the worst.
"To tell you would just be cutting open old wounds, milady. Would you settle for a half truth?" Seth asked pleasantly. His face was unreadable and his eyes gave nothing away. Eirika felt her throat constrict, making it hard for her to swallow, let alone talk. So she nodded. 'Better to have some truth then none at all.'
"Well, I just hope that the Lady Cali does not set her sight on me." Seth responded lightly.
Eirika felt dizzy and unable to breath. "Any lady would be honoured to marry you." She informed her knight. Then she realized that her hand was still on his arm, so she did the only thing she could and recoiled back. Eirika looked away hoping that the enveloping darkness would hide her flushing cheeks. 'Maybe a stroll really wasn't the best idea.' Then, before she could stop herself, "I just wish you would choose someone already." Eirika looked mortified that the sentence came from her mouth. 'Oh no! I did not just say that!' But she did, and all she could do was apologize now.
"Seth. I didn't mean that, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me, it was just an impulse response." Eirika apologized painfully, knowing very well that she did mean it. If Seth married then she would be able to finally let go of any hope she had harboured. She may even begin to heal herself, knowing that he had dedicated himself to another. It would kill her, yes, and she would cry an ocean. But the pain of waiting would be over, and maybe, just maybe, salvation would come. 'As a liege I must insist on my country's most valued subject to wed. It is only proper…but oh how it hurts. It hurts as if there will never be a cure.'
A hand came up to brush away a loose strand of teal coloured hair. "Milady, don't go to such pains as to apologize. There is nothing to forgive. I know what you're thinking and I know it hurts you immeasurably. But my heart is set on one and that is my duty to my country. I vow to never wed." Seth whispered to her gently as he removed his hand. Oh how Eirika wished he hadn't pulled away, for without his warmth she felt like shivering once more. Even before he uttered those words Eirika knew he would reject her once more. He wasn't trying to be cruel, he was trying to do what he thought best. 'But don't you know that you're hurting me more this way?' Eirika cried to herself. She just didn't understand why they could be together. Like always and forever, it would end so.
Nodding mutely she got up. Eirika turned so her back was to Seth. "How I hoped this time would be different, and that this time things would be different. Seth…." Eirika played his name around her tongue, as if by saying it enough he would suddenly have a change of heart. She felt the familiar sting of tears on the edge of her mask, and before they spilled, Eirika decided to run. Seth did not look at her retreating form nor move to follow. And so ended another tragic meeting of two people in love but star-crossed to break.
Once inside her room Eirika collapsed in a chair and wiped away her crystalline tears. She got ready for bed and this time sleep came easily. But for a long time after, silent tear streaked from her closed eyes and down her unconscious face. They left behind drying, salty, watermarks on her flawless, troubled features. It would take time for both their wounds to heal and even then, they may never heal.
"Amidst the battlefield of sin and hatred…"
Ahhh…finally done. This is my longest yet. I hoped you liked the awkward, tearful ending. Seth is just too noble for his own good. In a couple more chapters Lady Cali comes into picture. Will she be helpful in the couple's plight or will she just succeed in breaking them further? God, I sound like a freakingsoap opera ad. I just hope I don't scare my readers away...Oh and be sure to press that nice little purple review button on your way out of this site, it'd be REALLY nice if I had nine or ten morereviews after I come back from my vacation…please I'm begging you! Well, Florida here I come!