A Footstep Away, An Ocean Apart
Ok…. FINALLY some one gave me critism, thank you Lai Who Mai, I was thinking Eirika had become too angst ridden and I was running myself into a rut with it…so hopefully this chappie isn't so sad. Not that compliments aren't good! Sorry for being so sluggishly slow, but private school is REALLY taxing on your physical and mental strength, this is my first year of having to wear anything like a uniform, I HATE NECKTIES!
Disclaimer: I don't own nothing.
Lilylisa: I think this chapter is longer, so you'll have that wish.
Hamano Ayumi: Thank you so much, the Vanessa/Innes will be coming….someday….when I find the initiative to write it, I procrastinate a lot.
Fresh Fruit: I did read your story, it's cool how you started with them being children. Keep it up!
Wandering Cat: I think you pronounce it….um…like, "In" and then "Ess"…don't ask me.
Lemurian Girl: Poor you, homework? I don't have that much…but then again, I probably will get more soon….damn.
Lao Who Mai: Yes, I did like the name Eloquence, it kinda suits something Eirika would own. By the way, you didn't flame me…you gave constructive critism and I'm glad you did.
Taoki: I'm happy you read it.
Blade liger knight: LaughsYeah, there's a bit of Forde coming up…involving Syrene…hehehe.
SolShinji: Hey, I'm going as fast as my lazy fingers will allow!
Cathree: I didn't know that the last chappie was a cliffie…was it really that lacking? Oh well, maybe this one wont be.
Rikka-chan: Thanks, it's not the story that's slowing, it's my school and my stupid typing handicaps!
WhiteRoseMaiden: Wow, someone who likes every pairing I do….that's not something I hear everyday. Please keep reading and tell me if there's something wrong with the characters.
Ok ladies and gentlemen here's the latest installment. And here comes my annoying oc, Lady Cali. Hope you guys like it, tell me if I should change something about Cali's personality or looks or…I don't know. But this is a longer chapter, maybe not the five thousand words I'd promised, so be warned.
Here's some Syrene/Forde to satisfy blade liger knight…
Syrene impatiently stood outside Forde's door and knocked for the fifth time, it sounded less like a knock and more like banging. She tapped her foot and wondered how in the name of Latona that Forde ever got promoted to paladin. The lazy dimwit was everything a knight SHOULDN'T be! Annoying, absentminded, foolish and everything else to describe the over confident male species. 'Though he isn't bad to look at…' Syrene stopped herself in time and mentally shook herself while rubbing her temples. 'Must've been all that flying, I'm not thinking straight.' She knocked again, no answer. She grew annoyed. The man could even irritate you asleep! Unbelievable! So she decided to just walk in and yell at him. Opening the silent door Syrene found herself in a semi-dark room with a vague outline of a bed and a lump on the side. 'He still hasn't heard!' Syrene thought shocked, then an idea formed in her head.
She marched to the window and threw open the fabric then the glass panes, letting in the glaring sunlight which immediately transformed the room. Coincidentally a loud racket was being made outside with a kind of pot, it's blaring sound permeated the room and echoed off it's walls.
Oddly enough, through all this Forde only twitched and rolled over. Syrene gave an exasperated sigh and muttered to herself about idiotic lazy knight commanders. She walked to the paladin's bedside and bent her mouth to his ears, taking a deep breath; she started hollering.
"FORDE, get your lazy butt out of bed NOW?" Frelia's aerial commander had a loud voice to boot so her scream was just short of deafening; finally the hapless knight woke up. His eyes shot open and he bolted upright, lightning fast. Unfortunately his quick movement resulted in a fall, directly on top of Syrene. Even worse for him was the fact that he was shirtless and the blankets didn't come down with him. This did not look in favor at the poor, soon-to-be dead paladin.
"S-syrene…what're you doing here? This is my room." Forde asked, surprised and sleepy at the same time. He yawned, infuriating Syrene even more.
"What am I doing here! Forde you slept in much too late and Commander Seth sent me to drag you out of bed!" Syrene berated him, all the while still underneath his body. It was then that she realized their position and she flushed a cherry red. Forde noticed too, but he found it much more agreeable. A deafening silence ensued and Syrene expression changed to horror, Forde on the other hand had a wide grin on his face.
"Oh dear, seems you've gotten yourself in an uncomfortable position. Serves you right for waking me up!" Forde told her smugly as he refused to budge an inch. Syrene glared, she was all too aware of their contact and it felt absurdly good.
"Yes, well, I'm sure this is awkward for you too. So get off me! Besides, if you want to blame someone, blame the commander." Syrene told him as she twisted under him and threw him off. 'Ok so he's definitely not bad to look at…' But all the same Syrene sent a glare that told Forde to hurry. He casually shrugged his shoulders and strolled into his washroom, coming out a few minutes later dressed thank god!
"Actually, I was quite comfortable sitting back there." Forde grinned at Syrene who turned beet red again.
"You utter even a word of this to anyone and you'll wish Lute had killed you first." The falcoknight threatened before turning around. " Now I don't want to be late because of you so we'd better head off." Forde brought his hands up in a peace gesture.
"Ok, ok, don't worry! You worry too much. But hey thanks for waking me." He said on the way out the door; giving her a light peck on the cheek as he passed. "I wouldn't want Seth or Kyle to start yelling at me…let's hurry."
Before Syrene could react he had headed down already. She shook her head in defeat and disbelief. 'Of all the nerve." Syrene thought as she gently touched her cheek, a look of endearment in her eyes.
At the docks Eirika paused to stare into the ocean's sparkling blue waters. She couldn't tell where the heaven's ended and where the ocean began; they blended in so perfectly and completely. Seth guided his horse past her as he led the way to their group. Eirika saw that Lute was once again on her own horses and noted that Forde and Syrene still had not arrived She wondered what could have hindered them. "Surely Forde couldn't be THAT slow?'
It was lucky that Lady Cali's ship was just getting to port when Eirika reached the right dock. Anticipation and doubt was first and foremost in everyone's mind, more so in the princess's. Eirika hoped with all her heart that the Valkyrie would be a wonderful person everyone could except. But in the back of her head a selfish voice hoped that Cali would be a horrible added on guest. Immediately Eirika scolded herself; she must really stop thinking such grotesque thoughts. 'How utterly mean of me! Either way, I can't back out. The time is now and I must face what the future holds.'
Off the gangplank came the sound of clattering hooves. Everyone's nervous chatter stopped as they looked expectantly at the ship. Eirika took a breath of reassurance and stepped forward to greet Cali of Aram…
The clatter came closer and louder. Then a light lilting voice spoke up. "Come on Lanid we're almost there." A few seconds later, the voice's owner and her horse cantered out of the ship's side. At the sight of her Eirika let out a breath she had unconsciously been holding. Lady Cali had shoulder length curling brown hair that glinted red in the sun's beams. Her eyes darted from face to face in a slightly wary manner but she smiled slightly, lighting up her open and pretty face. She had a peachy complexion and clear, golden honey brown eyes. Cali wore a knee length red dress that slanted along the neckline, a little deeper then anything Eirika would have worn, she also wore a rose coloured cape that flowed over her shoulders and unto a beautiful chocolate coloured horse.
Eirika forced her, now extremely dry, mouth open and in a slightly rusty voice greeted the new noble. "I welcome you Lady Cali, with the most heartfelt of greetings. I'm Eirika, princess of Renais." Then she turned slightly around. "To my right is Commander Seth, to my left is Lady Tana and her brother King Innes of Frelia. Behind me are our companions for the rest of the trip. Two of our members have yet to arrive, please excuse us for that error." With all that said Eirika didn't know what to do, should she start to introduce everyone or engage the lady in more small talk? Luckily, or unluckily, Cali wasn't at loss for words. In a polite and slightly formal tone Cali replied to Eirika's greeting.
"I thank you Princess Eirika, it is a bit awkward to travel so far away from home but I hope to bring back many new experiences and memories. May I venture a question to Commander Seth, are you the one they call the Silver Knight?" Since Cali's attention was now riveted primarily one the man before her, the others relaxed slightly. At least, until they figured out that Cali may be going for Seth as a husband…that didn't settle well for Eirika's friends, who still could not figure out why the man was so set against marriage. They began to whisper among themselves, wondering what Cali was up to and why in Latona's name Syrene and Forde were still missing.
Seth modestly inclined his head, "I'm sure the tales have exaggerated too much."
Eirika hid a smile behind her hand. She too had heard the stories telling of Seth's strength and courage, they were dead on all right. Tana began to get suspicious with Cali but decided it was safer to just talk with Innes. Eirika was left sitting on her horse feeling out of place. Cali gave a dimpled smile that borderlined on flirtatious. "Then I hope to see you in action, I have no doubts that the tales were true." Seth wisely gave no answer for that, he too realized she was going a little too far for protocol.
Just as Cali readied to further engage Seth in conversation, conveniently moving herself closer, Forde and Syrene finally arrived. Albeit in a cloud of dust, feathers and curses. Seth and Eirika gladly swung their attention onto the source of the commotion.
Syrene talked first after having caught her breath. "Milady Eirika, Commander Seth, Lady Tana, Lord Innes. I'm so sorry for being so late. Please forgive me, but it was all Forde's fault. He refused to get up!" More then a few snickers came from the group and even Seth had a hard time keeping a straight and stern face. Forde meanwhile looked tired and miserable, he shot Syrene a dirty look.
"What'd you mean my fault? If you'd waken me earlier…" He grumbled before turning back to the crowd and apologizing too.
Eirika shook her head, "It's nothing Syrene you don't need to beat yourself over it. I'd like to introduce to you Lady Cali. Lady, this is Syrene, aerial commander of Frelia." Syrene bowed respectfully in her saddle and Cali did the same.
Forde grumbled again, "She's not going to beat herself when she could easily kill me." He was so absorbed in his self pity that he didn't notice the snorts and giggles nor the glare sent his way. Cali gave a small smirk.
"And the half awake one is Sir Forde, co-general of Renais' Cavalry and foot soldiers, the other one general is Sir Kyle." Eirika pointed respectably to the two young men. Who each bowed to the lady in their saddles. This time Lady Cali smiled in an undeniably flirtatious way, causing Lute to glare hostilely at her.
Eirika pretended not to notice and hoped that Lute would contain herself. Yes, Cali did seem to be a bit forward but she was still a guest and noble. However, knowing Lute, Cali could be the queen of Rausten for all she cared. "Beside Sir Kyle is Dame Lute, our resident magic prodigy." Eirika gave her a pointed look and Lute reluctantly inclined her head.
Cali raised a delicate eyebrow, "I'm sure we'll have much to talk about." Though she didn't seem eager at all.
Lute looked at Cali oddly, as if sizing up the weight of her words, "I specialize in anima magic but I'm also very adept in light magic. I know we'll have much to compare."
Eirika gave an inward sigh. 'Is it just me or is Cali eyeing every male in our group? This is not going to go down well…' Outwardly she smiled. "Beside and behind Lute are Marisa and Gerik. They were kind enough to stay with Renais as hired mercenaries." Eirika prayed that Cali didn't smile at Gerik for she couldn't guarantee her safety from Marisa if she did. Not that Marisa would actually outright attack…
Unfortunately Cali did something worse, she spoke. "You're the Desert Tiger I've heard about." Cali exclaimed; off-handedly dismissing Marisa. 'That was a bad move.' Eirika thought. Marisa, however quiet and cold, did not like to be slighted in anyway. Especially in front of people she respected. So perhaps it was lucky that Gerik got to her first, placing a firm hand on Marisa's shoulder to stop her, he gazed directly into Cali's eyes and replied tersely. "I didn't know my name had traveled so far."
Cali must've realized she had stepped over some invisible line, so she retreated without another word. And suddenly she became a shy 19-year-old girl on her horse; the energy and exerbence vanished like a thin veil. The quick transformation astounded everyone. 'How could she be so outgoing one minute and so demure the other?' It baffled Eirika and made her edgier.
There was a tense silence until a cry issued from Neimi's mouth. "Colm! How could you! Give it back and apologize!." Everyone looked their way, making the timid sniper blush from embarrassment. Seth guided his horse over to her and asked imploringly.
"Neimi what is the problem?"
Oddly enough Neimi turned to glare at her companion and pushed him forwards. He hung his head in shame. "I…um borrowed a vulnerary from Lady Cali. Meimi had a cut on her arm." Seth gave a small sigh.
"Colm, please give it back to the Lady, I have a vulnerary in my bags if Neimi needs it." Colm shifted to Cali and handed her back the half used vulnerary.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled. Cali, still in shy mode, took the vulnerary and smiled kindly. "It's no problem, I'm sure Neimi needed it more than I."
As Colm scurried back to his friend Eirika caught herself in time to make the introductions. "Neimi is a commander and trainer of our archers. Com….is um….well, you know."
The pair mumbled another sorry and bowed. Eirika scanned the group to make sure she didn't miss anyone, then she spotted Vanessa attempting to look invisble. "And lastly, beside Lady Tana is Commander Vanessa, Commander Syrene's second in line." Vanessa bowed on her gliding pegusus, but she didn't say anything. Neither did Cali.
There was another awkward paused before Forde boldly asked out loud. "SO where so we go now?"
Fortunately Seth spoke up because Eirika had no clue. "We were originally planning to bring Lady Cali back to Renais but this morning a letter came from lord Ephraim asking us to meet him in Ruasten Court. I suppose, if it isn't too sudden milady, we'd best head there." There was a collective murmuring in the group after Seth's announcement. Everyone, Eirika included, had thought they would just be traveling back to Renais. But it seemed that once again Ephraim had gotten an idea in his head. On the bright side they would be traveling again and most of them hadn't seen Rausten Court in ages. Eirika remembered the last time she visited was for L'Arachel's coronation ceremony as Queen. Lately there just hadn't been much contact as everyone was so busy within their own kingdoms. If Eirika remembered clearly, L'Arachel still hadn't hosted that promised tea party…
Lady Cali sat on her horse, stupefied. "You cannot be serious, are we really going to Rausten? Oh, how luck of me! This is such a blessing!" Her confidence seemed to be back again as she gave Seth a sunny smile. Eirika felt a twinge of jealousy when Seth smiled back, though she soon admonished it. 'Soon I'll see brother again. Oh, how I'm going to berate him for this.' Eirika itched to give Ephraim a piece of her mind. A very BIG piece. All the same, she gathered herself together and attempted to sound as kind and benevolent as she could. "Cali, if I may, where are your packs?" A lady of her standing must've brought some luggage. Unless she assumed that Renais would provide? Which as it seemed, they may just have to.
Cali looked at Eirika, a haughty glint in her eyes. "It's still in the ship, Eirika." At once, Eirika began to like the timid version of Cali over this high-strung female. But as a princess she couldn't choose who she talked to. 'I must be understanding, I must be understanding, it's not Cali's fault…this is all Ephraim's fault…'
The Renais Princess gave no reply to Cali's outright disrespect. In fact Eirika proudly kept her face a smooth cold expression of indifference. Let others take offense but never show your own. Seth quickly came back to Eirika's side and gave her an apologetic smile, though it wasn't his fault. The rest of her group bristled at Cali's remark; some of them radiated open hostility. Innes had his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
It was Seth who spoke up first, trying to keep the peace. "Milady Cali, I believe the crew are carrying your packs out at this moment. If you will please excuse Lady Eirika and I, we have a few things we must discuss towards our new destination." He respectfully inclined his head to Eirika and motioned to a spot out of the group's hearing range. Once they had moved out of range Seth began to talk again. "I think we have a few complications now, milady." Eirika nodded mutely before asking.
"Seth, what should I do?"
Seth looked at her mildly. "I'm afraid you'll just have to bear with Lady Cali awhile longer. Maybe she will have calmed down after we get to Rausten. It seems she's very eager to meet Queen L'Arachel." Eirika silently hoped so, but in that dark little corner of her mind, she doubted anything would calm Cali down.
"Thank you Seth, for diverting me before my judgment was obscured." Eirika felt the need to express her gratitude, eve if he wouldn't accept it.
"I think all our better judgements were obscured the moment Lady Cali started talking." He said with a wry grin. Eirika tried hard not to, but she still found herself giggling in agreement.
"So we ride to Port Kiris and sail from there?" Eirika tried to sound proffsional over her personal thoughts.
"It seems the best way." Seth told her.
"Then let's be off."
"These are the saviors of our souls..."
So...how was it? I know, not much going on in this chappie, but atleast Eirika didn't cry right? I must apologize once more for being so lazy, but the thing is, I'm scared I might be boring you guys...so please please PLEASE review...I'll give you cookies...oh yes, and please give me a pairing to write about.