A Footstep Away, An Ocean Apart

Disclaimer: This is getting REALLY old….

I'm BACK! Aww….you guys are so nice! Over eighteen reviews…now I feel the pressure to do good…oh well, keep reviewing! (If I seem a little hyper it's ok, I'm powered on chocolate mousse right now.)

Hamano Ayumi: Yes it's tough for Eirika but just think how nice it'll be in the end when things work out…oops, wasn't suppose to say that.

Lemurian Girl: THANK YOU THANK YOU! Finally a C2 for EirikaSeth stories. Oh and my computer twists colours around so the button does look purple.

Wandering Cat: Cali's coming after this chapter…and she'll be quite the surprise.

Lai Who Mai: I'm glad I don't need a soap opera, I'd probably run out of ideas.

Ann2: Yeah Eirika's in for a very bumpy and very long ride.

Kimmie2: I'm glad you liked it.

misSkLutzZz: I'm not sure but I think most of my chapters are gonna be longer. The problem with that is that I'm starting school soon and there are more things I need to do.

MiSs JoVaNNa: You flatter me too much.

SolShinji: I've learned not to expect too much less you get disappointed later. This time I wasn't disappointed at all.

haha81290Thanks for the lesson, I needed that. This chapter will have some fluff, but I still need to improve on that stuff, I'm not very good at it.

WhiteRoseMaiden: Eirika and Seth's support conversation actually came as a surprise for me. I didn't even know about those two till chapter 3 in the game. Then I was hooked.

blade liger knight: I don't think I did THAT great on the last chapter, though I think this one's definitely not as good as the last. I actually considered having Forde stumble in on Eirika and Seth but that wouldn't have gone as well and it would've taken too much time to sort out. Do you have writers' block? I get that soo many times it's crazy.

Reitz: I'll take the cookies! People never give me cookies…

Lilylisa31: Thanks for the encouragement.

Demonslayer14: Eirika will be happy in the end I promise, but not before she endures loads of anguish! You know, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

The Snoring Bookworm: Glad to hear you liked my style of writing; I used to think it's too childish. Well, I still do. But I'm glad you picked up the Shakespeare ref, I really like to be descriptive and add in hidden meanings sometimes.

Carrie: I know, they are meant to be together.

Silvara: Wow…um now I know you really like it-no LUV it- I hope you read the rest of it too, luckily I don't think it'll take 6 decades to finish. At least I hope not.

A/N: Ok before you start reading I want to warn you that there isn't a lot of EirikaSeth angst in here…more of a light interlude before the oh-so-important Lady Cali comes. This chapter does have a lot of oneshots on other pairings though.

At breakfast the next morning things were subdued to say the least. Gerik and Moulder were holding a conference of how best to ambush enemies; who would've known the old man had it in him? Seth began conversing with Syrene about the changes Renais needed to make. Meanwhile Vanessa sat to the side quietly munching toast as she listened in on Eirika's chat with Innes. Tana occasionally threw in a thought or question but she spent most of the time thinking to herself. Everybody was pretty quiet as if they knew something had happened. Even Forde had refrained from speaking loudly and annoying anyone within hearing range; though it was mainly because he was on the lookout for Kyle.

Eirika tried to keep her eyes from landing on Seth as much as she could. 'What if I'd hurt him last night with what I'd said?' Doubt creeped into Eirika's conscience as she observed her crimson haired knight out of the corner of her eye. There didn't seem to be anything wrong… "Of course not! It isn't like you physically slapped him." Eirika berated herself. But if Seth was hurting, it didn't show at all. He still looked like his normal self, that same gentle and sometimes teasing smile and unreadable eyes. 'I wonder how many years it took him to build such a solid façade.' Eirika secretly mused, wondering how many years it would take her to achieve the same result.

"Eirika? Are you even listening to me?" Innes exclaimed in an annoyed voice. Tana giggled at her brother's stupidity. Didn't he notice Eirika was thinking about something, or rather someone. In other words Eirika was lamenting over Seth. But then again Innes could be abnormally blind when he wanted to; after all he still didn't figure it out that the Falcoknight beside him loved him. It was times like that that Tana felt sorry for Vanessa.

Eirika, however, was spard an explanation when Kyle and Lute finally entered into the dining hall. By the nail marks on Kyle's forearms and the fear ridden eyes of the sage, someone had been trying to teach another someone to ride; with mixed results. It wasn't their entrance that caught attention, rather it was Forde's actions due to the entrance. The blonde paladin was grinning like an idiot from ear to ear and his eyes shone with ill concealed mischief. One look was enough to send the couple on guard along with Syrene as she prepared to shut him up for his own safety.

"Kyle! What a surprise I thought that you two would skip breakfast altogether and just stay in your-"

Lute had her handy book out before Forde could finish and she didn't even need to chant the spell to get Forde to shut up. Apparently he'd learned his lesson from before. Syrene snorted at Forde.

"Well, it's about time you learned to keep your comments to yourself."

Forde glared at her but his eye wandered nervously back to Lute who'd still had her thunder tome out at the ready. Kyle took a seat beside Seth as Lute went to sit by Marisa, still occasionally shooting glares at Forde. Once everyone had settled down more or less, Eirika decided to get on with the plan.

She cleared her throat to get their attention before beginning. "As you know, we are on a deadline so I'm sorry to say that we'll be leaving right after breakfast. We're trying to make Port Lenmark in three days, so be prepared for long-distance riding. Lord Innes and Lady Tana will join us along with Vanessa. Syrene, you may remain here if you wish. I know you haven't been home for awhile." That done Eirika sat back down to finish her food. Syrene shook her head to indicate that she would rather go with the rest of them.

The real reason for Tana to come was the chance to see Ephraim and the reason Innes wanted to come was to watch over Tana. Since Innes was coming Tana had wanted Vanessa to tag along despite her protests. Moulder would take care for them while they're gone. Besides, they all needed a break from their duties. 'Even Seth, no matter how much he denies it.'

On to my one shots…

On the second day of intense travel Neimi began to get saddle sore. It was just too tiring for the petite sniper, whose legs were not used to guiding a hrose for so long at a gallop. Though she noted that Lute didn't seem to have as much trouble anymore. 'This is all because I'm so weak and useless…" Neimi thought.

The plain they were currently negotiating stretched on and on for what seemed like forever, Neimi began to fear that she would fall asleep and tmble down in midstride. This caused her to clench her nails, letting them dig into her palms and leaving deep red marks behing. One thing was certain. 'I can't go on much longer' Neimi began to slip into unconsciousness. The world started to turn upwards. The jade green tall grasses came closer, Neimi felt every step her horse took. She tried in vain to grab his mane but no luck. The wind ruffled her floer pink hair as she felt with a thud to the ground.

"Neimi! What are you doing!" Colm's voice demanded as he pulled alongside her. His arm encircled her waist as he pulled her up into his saddle. Neimi's horse had stopped once it realized it's rider wasn't riding anymore. Everyone else was farther up ahead and couldn't see the two.

She rubbed her eyes and fought to stay awake. "I'm…so tired and sore Colm…I feel like I can't move another muscle." Neimi yawned

"Fine then, go to sleep, don't worry I wont let you fall." Colm sighed and readjusted his friend until she was in a more comfortable position. Neimi hugged him and gave him a light peck on the cheek before dozing off in front of him. It turned out to be much more comfortable for the both of them that way.

That night it was Marisa and Neimi's turn to keep watch but seeing ads Neimi was still sore all over and showing no sign of waking up, Gerik took her place. After everyone had bid the two good night Marise took Gerik's hand and leaned into him. She rarely showed affection in public, so she'd waited for everyone to go to sleep. Her amethyst eyes stared into the fire, watching a dance of soft, warm colours. Its gold and orange tendrils sprung up then down, captivating her attention. The light from the flickering flames cast a glow on her slightly tanned features as it illuminated a light in the purple depths of her eyes. Marisa was enchanted.

"Hello? You there? We're supposed to keep watch you know." Gerik's teasing voice informed as he poked her out of the reverie. Marisa looked up and glared at him.

"Yeah I'm here. Don't poke me." She said tersely. Gerik just looked at her with his dancing brown eyes. Marisa looked back into the fire, her eyes betraying the slight sadness within herself.

"Gerik. Promise me something." Marisa asked softly.

"Of course."

"Lady Cali. Don't fall for her."

"Why would I?"

"Because she's a lady, every one likes them."

"Not me." Gerik told her as he smiled down at his love.

"Really?" Marisa looked disbelieving.

"Yes."

Their faces drew closer and closer until their lips touched. Marisa slowly wrapped her arms around Gerik and deepened the kiss. When they separated both were out of breath.

"I still don't believe you." Marisa whispered.

"You should."

The fire burned on.

Eirika's prediction was true. They did end up riding for three days, barely managing to reach Lenmark at midnight. They asked around and found out that Cali's ship would not come till next morning. She harried everyone to bed while she, herself, stayed up fretting. Eirika ended up falling asleep in an armchair downstairs, no closer to feeling soothed.

A shadowed figure came down and carried her back upstairs to her room. Laying her on the bed and covering her with a blanket. The person brushed away the hair surrounding Eirika's face and looked upon her moonstruck features before sighing and moving to the door. His blood red hair glinted in moonlight as he closed the door behind him...

'This pillow is really soft' Eirika told herself as she rolled to her side. Her eyes immediately opened at the realization. She doubted the inn's tables had inbuilt pillows and that's where she'd fallen asleep unless she was mistaken. Eirika bolted out of her blankets to find herself in a bedroom. This confused her, who had moved her? Questions swirled around her head as she tentatively stepped out, relieved to find that she was still wearing clothes. 'Well, whoever it was. I should be very grateful to them.' Eirika threw open the translucent curtains to reveal a beautiful clear sky. From her window Eirika could see the townspeople get ready for their day as shops were set up and people greeted each other as they passed.

Eirika turned around and began to panic. 'Lady Cali's supposed to be here by noon. It's well past sunrise now! I'll be late if I don't hurry.' She rushed to her bathroom grabbing a formal outfit on the way. It was true, she needed to hurry or risk being late.

After cleaning herself up and dressing appropriately.Eiriak stood in front of the full length mirror and gave herself a once over to make sure nothing was out of place for fear of offending Lady Cali. 'The last thing she needs is to be greeted by an improper princess. Perhaps it was a good thing that Ephraim did not come.' Eirika mused 'If he did he would never have the proper etiquette. Heck, brother wouldn't even have bothered to dress properly.'

Eirika strolled from the mirror to her packs and drew out a long royal blue cloak and fastened it over her floor length purple dress. When she opened her door to get out she almost crashed into Seth who was coming right to her door. Probably to wake her up.

"I'm sorry milady." Seth amended as he helped her up.

Eirika smiled up at him, "It's my fault for being so late that you had to come wake me." She felt a shiver of delight course through her when Seth had his arms around her middle. Sadly that didn't last, ending with uncomfortable silence between the two as both tried to think of something to say.

"I guess we'd better be going. Forde should be up. I had Syrene go wake him a while ago." Seth said to her as they stood awkwardly. Eirika nodded and they both moved downstairs.

"Hopefully Lady Cali will fit in nicely. I really wsh for her to be happy with this visit." Eirika said to no one in particular.

"If it's any assurance, I'll make sure the lady has every need attended to." Seth offered; oblivious to the fact that the offer pierced Eirika right through her heart. She froze for the slightest of seconds before walking briskly to the stables.

"If that's not too much trouble Seth." Eirika grimly thanked him as she mounted astride Eloquence, her pure white mare. It would not do for her heart to take control now, not at a moment like this. 'So once again I must do what's best' Eirika forced herself to agree as she galloped out of the stables with Sethat ther heels. Tears escaped her eyes but were caught by her blue cloak and pale lavender dress which fluttered behind like lost ghosts in the wind.

"Mercy's sweet call penetrates the deaf…"

So there's another chapter. Tell me how you liked this one, I know it's not as good as the last one. But Please review! Because the next chapter will be like 5000 words long and I'd seriously like some encouragement for the long hours of typing and thinking I'm going to do. If the reviews are anything like Ch5 's then I'll be happy.