Chapter 32 The King Returns

Hey everyone. I recently had a question from a guest that I can answer for everyone. The question was if I was going to do a Radiant Dawn portion of my story. The answer is yes. I have this story worked out and the beginnings of the second part which takes place during Radiant Dawn. Fingers crossed that I can write fast enough to finish them. JAs always, thank you for the feedback and comments. Also anything in parenthesis should be taken as the heron language.

-PG

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"Are you okay?" Reyson heard the words asked for a second time but didn't respond. The commotion and violence he had witnessed was leaving him speechless. His eyes darted to the dead bodies around him, a gruesome sight even to him and he had just seen Tibarn crush a man's skull. But the kills had not been committed by a warrior hawk, it was the thin young woman with cerulean eyes before him.

Her expression was filled with worry as she approached him steadily, but Reyson retreated at the same pace. "I'm not going to hurt you." She consoled but Reyson scoffed. He knew better than to trust a human's words.

"Get away from me."

Ikyna was startled by his harsh tone. It stung like a whip but she recalled that the heron had plenty of reasons to be hostile. She lowered her bow in front of her, "Please, I just want to help."

Reyson turned up his nose. Both confused and disgusted by the human. He wished that the battle wasn't distorting his abilities so much. He couldn't read her heart through all the chaos in the air. There was no way to tell if she was being honest; all he had to go on was his gut feeling that told him never to let his guard down around humans.

But what he had just seen was contradicting every ounce of his instincts. She'd just saved his life and from what he remembered she had also come searching for him in the mansion.

"Your majesty…" Ikyna began, hoping to calm to prince by showing him respect, "Are you alright?" And it was the third time she'd asked him but he hadn't offered her an answer or relaxed since she dropped in from the branches.

The prince's face softened in hesitation. He was still pouring over all the new information before him and deciding the best course of action. Should he stay and trust the human, or flee and risk running into the Duke? Ikyna looked at him helplessly, knowing that they were in danger the longer the lingered in one area. She stretched her hand out, "Come with me." Her blue eyes pleaded with the prince and he paused at seeing such a foreign expression on a humans face. She was earnest and, he dared to think it, sincere, "I know you don't have a reason to trust me, but I didn't kill you before and I won't do it now. But I can't protect you here. Please, just come with me." And for a brief moment Reyson found himself lost in the compelling draw of her compassionate eyes.

But the heron could not respond before two piercing screeches charged through the forest. Soon the dead trees around the prince and Ikyna erupted with their dried and lifeless leaves and a storm of brown and tan feathers rained down on the girl and bird. Reyson saw Ikyna's expression change instantly. Her bow was back up with an arrow strung faster than Reyson could even register. She was not the girl with pleading eyes anymore, she was a killer again and her aim was set on the two birds who crashed in on the pair.

Ulki and Janaff circled Ikyna. Their heavy wings beating the air and kicking up plumes of dirt and vines. The cries echoed around her but she kept her eyes on both birds, her adrenalin had kicked in and sent her right into battle mode. She pivoted from one bird to the other, knowing that she couldn't work her way out of this trouble. Ikyna watched as Reyson stood behind the hawks, they effectively created a barrier between her and him. "They're protecting him." Ikyna thought in sudden realization.

She saw the dangerous intent in their eyes but made a decision to drop her bow. It clattered softly to the ground as she dipped her eyes and placed her hands over her head. Reyson gasped over the hawks angry cries as he watched the human girl go to her knees in submission. He'd seen her weapon ready, and the skills she possessed to use them, but she'd chosen to surrender over battle with them. Ulki and Janaff were not moved by Ikyna's choice. Ulki let his wings spread and then dove for Ikyna's neck.

"Wait!"

The ensuing battle was halted by the prince's commanding voice. He didn't know why he stopped it, he'd just reacted without thinking. Janaff and Ulki landed next to him, their wings spread in defense and threat. "Just wait." He said again as he placed his thin pale hand on Ulki's dark feathers.

"Don't you want us to kill her?" The bird asked in surprise.

Reyson hesitated, shocked that his first response was not a resounding yes. "No." Janaff turned to the prince, a question forming on his face. Reyson saw it and held his palm up to stop the next question, "Just wait."

He walked slowly to Ikyna, staring down at the nape of her neck exposed by her hair falling out of place as she stared quietly at the ground. He was still suspicious of her but his curiosity was overpowering.

Ikyna saw the tips of his pale blue boots stop in front of her, she waited for him to speak but he said nothing. She dared to raise her head, hoping that the action wouldn't trigger her own decapitation by the hawk's eager talons.

She was met with fierce green eyes that both accused and questioned her. His face was set in a hard line and he exhaled loudly, trying to calm his nerves. "Why are you chasing me?"

The statement was more of an accusation than a question. "We aren't chasing you. We were trying to help you."

Reyson scoffed, "Then why were you at the senator's mansion. Weren't you there to make me your prisoner just like the Duke?"

Ikyna frowned, hating to be compared to that swine of a human being. "No, we were there to stop him from buying and imprisoning Laguz. We didn't know what we would find when we went there. All we did was follow the orders to stop him."

"Who's orders?"

The archer turned her head away from the prince's cold eyes and berating tone. "The apostle." She mumbled.

Reyson's eyes widened in shock. The last person he expected to be involved in this confusing mess was the apostle. She rarely deigned to leave her comfy castle why would she be concerned with Laguz slavery. No humans had cared before, let alone such a high ranking and powerful human.

"And what were you ordered to do when you found me?" he asked with suspicious bite to his words.

Ikyna opened her mouth to speak, hoping that the right words would come on their own, but she heard her name shouted through treetops that drowned out what she was trying to say. Yakuzo snarled as he bounded from branches with feline grace and skill. He landed on the ground his, maw open and a row of jagged teeth gleaming. He lodged himself between the hawks and Ikyna as he slashed violently into the air in blunt warning for the birds to keep their distance.

Ulki and Janaff screeched back defensively, not backing down from their duty to watch the prince. Ikyna watched in horror as the almost peaceable situation started to crumble as the three Laguz readied themselves to engage.

"Yakuzo!" Ikyna tackled her cat companion with a grunt.

"What are you doing?" he growled as he hit the ground.

"I need you to calm down." She said through clenched teeth as she watched the hawks inching closer with menacing intent.

"Why!" he snapped.

"Trust me you're storming in here isn't helping."

"Is that the thanks I get?" He complained bitterly.

"You're impossible!

"I saved your life."

"I wasn't in trouble."

Yakuzon's sharp cat features stretched in disbelief. He knew he'd just seen her surrounded by hawks that would sooner gut her than have a conversation. Reyson cleared his throat to interrupt the bickering pair. They whipped their heads around to look at him, Ikyna embarrassed and Yakuzo still angry.

"Am I to assume you're trying to get me to trust you while trying to control your pet?" he asked snidely.

"I'm not her pet!" Yakuzo growled as he opened his maw dangerously. The two hawks flew closer to Reyson, they readied themselves to skin the red feline.

"That's not what it looks like to me, since she's got you pinned to the ground." Reyson folded his arms over his chest, feeling completely safe to mock the beast behind the protective wings of his bird companions.

Yakuzo shot Ikyna a look, telling her with just a glance to let him loose. The last thing he wanted was to prove the white bird's outlandish claim. She released him immediately and gave an apologetic shrug. He shook his fur out, sending dirt that had been stuck in scarlet coat flying through the air and let out a low irritated moan.

"She's my friend."

Reyson scoffed, he'd never heard anything so ridiculous. Humans and Laguz were not friends.

"It's true." Ikyna defended as she too stood, doing her best to make eye-contact with the heron. He was a thin bird but Ikyna could sense a whole volcano of fury inside his small frame.

"I no more believe that he's your friend than I believe that you and your friends are really here to help the other heron."

Ikyna shook her head as she gaped. She couldn't believe such a soft faced young man could speak so sharply and rudely to her when he didn't know her. If he knew what their mercenary crew had gone through, he wouldn't be looking at her so contemptibly.

"But we are trying to keep the heron safe. My brother's been carrying her on his back this whole battle." She placed her hands on her hips and felt her mulish side starting to kick in as the conversation progressed.

The prince frowned as he focused every ounce of energy that he could muster amongst the battlefield. He had a headache brewing behind his eyes and it was taking all his strength to stand convincingly enough. What he really wanted to do was take the heron with him and never look back at the humans, but his fortune was not so good. He'd have to deal with the girl and her presumed Laguz friend. His instinct told him she had to be lying but there was no corruption in her heart as far as he could tell. He'd never been more baffled by a human in his life. But he thought he'd press her more, make her crack and tell him the truth.

Reyson put a finger to his chin and studied the girl with her cerulean hair falling sloppily out of a French braid. Her face was twisting into a scowl. Reyson couldn't since that she was lying, but she was definitely getting irritated. He smiled inwardly, feeling that if he pushed a little bit more she'd reveal her true nature. She'd show that she was a cruel violent animal just like the rest, not the hero and Laguz companion she was claiming to be.

"Are you sure your brother isn't just protecting the heron so he can sell her himself?"

The prince saw the girls eyes slant in a glare. All gentleness and obliging personality vanished the moment her spoke poorly of her brother.

"Look here," she began, determined to not let him speak badly about Ike, "my whole crew and I have been walking for days through this swampy and burnt up forest, fighting the awful humidity and ambushes by that slimy senator and his men looking for you! And you know what we were doing before that?"

She pointed a finger darkly at the prince and Yakuzo chuckled as he watched his friend shift into one of her rants, "We were jumping through hoops for that spoiled brat empresses. Lots and lots of stupid flaming hoops for that stuck-up pint sized apostle. And we did it all for you. And I don't care what you say about me, don't believe me if you like. Although, I saved your life today so you have no reason not to trust me." she paused briefly and swallowed a piece of her anger as she inched closer to the prince.

Ulki and Janaff tensed, they tried to discern if she would attack or not. But she didn't reach for her bow or her knives as she continued, her voice tight and direct, "But my brother has been risking his life and going crazy and there's no way he'd stoop so low and try to sell anyone, and don't you dare talk about him like that."

Reyson's eyebrows kneaded together as he gaped; he'd been scolded by a human for the first time ever. Ulki and Janaff exchanged looks of discomfort as they watched the mouthy human girl. She held his gaze to let her words sink into him and watched the flying laguz stand in stunned silence.

Ikyna looked from bird to bird as realized the reason for their sudden quiet. She gasped in horror and covered her mouth, "I'm so sorry." She pulled her hands down her cheeks as she apologized repeatedly, suddenly understanding what she'd just done. Her mouth had run away with her again like it often did, but she knew that succumbing to that particular bad habit was a terrible idea when she was trying to win over the prince with kindness.

"I'm really sorry, I don't know what came over me. I just kind of…"she paused as she looked at Yakuzo who was barely managing to cover a bemused grin beside her.

"What are you laughing at?" she accused as she punched his shoulders childishly. It only made the cat laugh louder as he tried to block her.

"That was a very well thought out scolding, followed by the quickest retraction of your life." He teased at her fickle personality. One moment she was on a rampage and the next moment she was nearly groveling for forgiveness.

"My goodness Ikyna you're ridiculous." He said through unbridled laughter as he wiped tears from his eyes.

"What is wrong with you?" the prince asked when Yakuzo's laughter had died down enough for him to speak. His head was tilted as he studied Ikyna with a queer expression. Ikyna rubbed the back of her head, feeling mortified. "Sometimes I just sort of have a tendency to get carried away."

Reyson raised an eyebrow as Ikyna averted her gaze and dug her heel into the mud; the tips of her ears were turning a noticeable pink.

"A bit carried away?" He asked while shaking his head incredulously. She had gotten more than just a little carried away when she spoke. She'd went on a long winded rampage and scolded him like a child. Reyson couldn't remember the last time he'd been so soundly chided by anyone. Not even his older sisters chastised him so thoroughly; although perhaps, he thought of a distant memory, Luna had when he was a child.

"White prince?" Ulki questioned as he watched the heron's lips curl into a faint smile.

"What?" he asked as he blinked in confusion, not noticing that he was smiling.

"Is something funny?"

Reyson sputtered to cover his embarrassment, though his darkening cheeks were unmistakable. He'd been caught daydreaming and smiling like a fool in front of the human. He turned his attention to her and saw that her own face had softened. She was observing him carefully, the corners of her mouth were threatening to turn after noticing his smile.

Reyson set his lips in a hard line, "Carried away?" he commented with a jeer, "I know humans don't respect anyone but their own kind, but you are speaking to a member of the royal heron family." Reyson clicked his tongue softly after that sentence. Being part of a royal heron family sounded weak when surrounded by the heron's graveyard

"I didn't mean any disrespect." Ikyna began as she scratched the back of her neck awkwardly, "That's not true, I really did." She quickly amended to the bird's surprise, "but you said unkind things about my brother and I won't stand for that because he's the best brother in the world."

Ikyna stared straight into the bird's emerald eyes, not willing to retract her statement even if he was offended. He held her gaze for what seemed like several silent ages before he sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Fine, I will refrain from insulting your wonderful brother." He conceded begrudgingly. "But that doesn't mean I trust either of you." He added quickly.

"Just give us a chance." Ikyna calmly stated as her the situation settled. Though not the tension entirely. The prince was still highly suspicious of Ikyna and Yakuzo and his hawk companions made no attempt to let their guard down yet.

"And who are all of you?"

Ikyna straightened herself up as she gave an introduction, "We are the Greil Mercenaries and my brother Ike is the commander. He's the one carrying the heron girl on his back right now."

Reyson made a low thinking noise as he weighed the information in his mind. Ulki and Janaff waited for his decision patiently. He tightened his fists, not liking the thought of needing help from humans, but he'd endure for his fellow heron. With a big gulp of spit he began, "Fine, I will give you a chance. Should I talk to your commander?"

The archer's eyes sparkled excitedly as she nodded emphatically, "Yes, yes please. Yakuzo and I will escort you through the battle right to him."

"That might not be necessary." Yakuzo said flatly. He shifted and pointed a finger through the shrubs and trees, "It seems the fighting is over."

The three remaining Laguz and Beorc turned. The forest was silent and still once again. Clashing metal no longer rang through the leaves nor the grunts of soldiers. "It looks like he's right." Janaff confirmed for the prince as he squinted his sharp eyes.

"Are you kidding me?" Ikyna cried in disbelief. She clicked her tongue in disappointment; she had wanted to get a good swing at the senator before the fight was done. "How did it happen so fast?"

Yakuzo tilted his head and gave her a toothy grin, "Well you did go on a long rant, maybe it ended somewhere between then." Ikyna glared at him and punched him in the shoulder.

"Very well." Reyson said as he cleared his throat to interrupt the pair and then looked to Ulki and Janaff, "First we will meet with Tibarn." He paused as he turned to address Ikyna, "And then the four of us will meet with your commander, the one with the blue hair correct?"

Ikyna gave a short nod and watched with buttoned lips as the three birds flew away and sent a rush of wind kicking through her hair. Yakuzo stood close to her, "He's a bit curt isn't he?" he said as he looked at her watching the heron sail off through the trees."

"A bit."

"He must be looking a little less pretty to you now?" he asked feeling inwardly triumphant.

Ikyna arched a brow and pursed her lips together, "If curt people bothered me I wouldn't like you so much now would I?" She said as she walked backwards away from him with a grin that was met by his scowl.

Ike shook his bloodied sword out and sent sanguine droplets diving into the dirt. He stepped over Oliver's motionless plump body with the satisfaction of ending the pig's life and also the arduous mission. Aeyori was close behind him like she'd been most of the fight. "Are you alright commander?" she asked with a nod toward the sleeping heron.

"Yes, it's no problem." He grabbed her cheek affectionately, "She probably weighs even less then you if that's possible." He teased.

Aeyori let herself giggle as she happily saw the tension release in her commander. She reached for his hand on her face and took it in hers boldly. "And how would you know how much I weigh?"

He smirked playfully, "Because I've carried you before, on the day we met when you trampled me from the bushes."

"That's not how I remember it." She said in mock offense.

"Really? Then how do you remember it?" he asked as he leaned his face in close enough to touch hers.

"Commander!" The two mercenaries tore their gazes from each other toward the sound of Soren's sharp voice.

Aeyori yelped softly next to commander as she came under the harsh glare of the mage's scarlet eyes. His nose was turned up slightly in disgust as he saw her joining hands with Ike. She remembered Soren's dangerous warning from all those months ago and she instinctively made a move to jerk her hand away from Ike but he held it firmly, not fazed by the brooding raven-haired boy. "What did you need?"

Soren was still glaring at Aeyori, he made no attempt to hide his distaste for her. "Soren?" Ike called again but a little firmer. "I came here to give the battle report." He spoke stiffly as he slowly turned his gaze to his commander, his expression softened only a fraction.

"Go on then." Ike encouraged with an impassive face. Soren paused and made one more withering glare at Aeyori. She stiffened next to Ike but he gave her a kindly sideways glance and squeezed her hand gently.

"We've successfully routed the enemy and sustained minimal damages to the men with no casualties."

"That's good to hear." Ike said as relief set in over him, "Have you seen my sister Soren?" he asked as he noticed he hadn't seen his sister since she'd taken off to find the other heron.

"I'm right here brother." Ikyna and Yakuzo walked up and the archer looked smug while the Laguz was rolling his eyes.

Ike looked around in confusion, he noticed a very obvious set of white wings missing from the scene. "Where's the other heron?"

Then it was Yakuzo's turn to look smug, "The heron? You mean Ikyna's new best friend?"

"Bubububub….shh!" Ikyna hurriedly hushed the cat as her brother shook his head. He knew exactly how good his sister's friend making skills could be. The last time she'd 'made friends' she'd gotten in a fist fight with Yakuzo. Ike couldn't imagine what his sister had done.

"What did you do this time?"

Ikyna pursed her lips, "Just acted as you would expect." She replied innocently with a shrug of resignation.

"That's what I was afraid of." Ike said with a sigh but still had a half amused smile. He knew his sister had a way of making lasting, but not always positive, impressions. He just hoped she hadn't scared off the second heron. "So what about the prince then?" He asked but before Ikyna could give a response the sound of beating wings answered him.

The group of mercenaries were joined by four birds. Three hawks and one heron. Ike recognized one of the hawks as the Laguz who had done a considerable amount of damage to the Senator's soldiers. He landed softly and shifted to a tall muscular man with a cross shaped scar resting on his cheek that stretched across his nose.

Even shifted, Ike knew the hawk was a man not to be trifled with. His hardened face matched his etched body that was tattooed with scars. He had glaring tameless hazel eyes that sat under wild chestnut hair and his arms that were bandaged to his elbows were crossed tightly over his chest.

The dangerous bird Laguz was a stark contrast to his fairer white winged companion standing beside him. His marmoreal skin was unmarred and pale and covered his slight frame. He made his way to stand in front of the scarred the hawk, no hesitation or fear in his stance. There was complete confidence that he would be fully protected; and what reason would he have to fear with three birds as intimidating as the ones forming a semicircle behind him?

He looked straight at Ike, "You're the commander Ike correct?"

Ike nodded, not letting surprise show on his face when the bird knew his name. "I am." He answered firmly, not allowing himself to be swallowed by the almost overbearing presence of the predatory birds.

The prince set his gaze on golden hair falling over Ike's shoulder. It had to be one of his sisters, he was sure. "And who is that?"

Ike looked over his shoulder, "We just found her while we were looking for you. I think you must know her."

Reyson found himself nodding while holding his breath. He was waiting for a fight to begin as the blue haired commander bent down to set the heron on the ground gingerly. Ulki and Janaff stiffened behind him, they sensed the prince's unease and it mixed with their own. History had taught them to never trust humans. The four birds prepared for a struggle, but their minds were set, they'd be taking the heron with them no matter what. That was an unspoken truth and promise between them.

"I think she's starting to wake up." Ike murmured and pulled Reyson from his defensive stance. His heart leapt as he heard a low moan from the girl. She stirred as Ike stood her next to him, a hand to steady her as she swayed uncertainly on her feet. Reyson watched her lift her head and sun kissed hair fall away to reveal sage eyes.

Reyson gasped as the heron girl spoke, ("Brother!")

She hobbled to him, her legs still too weak to carry her weight well, and stumbled into his arms with a joyful and tearful cry. ("Brother, I can't believe it's really you.")

Reyson wrapped her in his arms as tightly as he could, hoping that if this really was a dream that he could grasp it into reality. But the longer her felt her soft hair and smooth skin the more he knew she was really leaned into his chest. His sweet young sister Leanne.

("It's really me, I'm here.") He cooed happily in his mother tongue, elated that for the first time in twenty years someone else could speak it with him.

("Thank goodness. Brother I've been alone for so long.")

He hushed her tenderly as his heart ached. Reyson had also lost his family, but he had the hawks to keep him company. His poor little Leanne had no one at all. But now that he had her back that would change, ("Don't worry, I'll be with you from now on Leanne.")

She raised her head slowly and smiled that familiar way that made the corners of her eyes wrinkle. He'd missed that grin of his little sister's. It was a treasure he'd thought had been lost forever.

"I can't believe you're alive?" Tibarn exclaimed as he looked at the girl he'd known since she was a child. He still remembered her rosy face when she was a crawling infant. She looked at the hawk king bashfully as the color in her face grew. Tibarn coughed and chuckled stiffly, "Sorry, did I surprise you? Do you remember who I am Leanne?"

She casts her lashes down with a demure smile, ("I know you Tibarn.") The king's chest swelled as he put a large hand lovingly on her head. He ruffled her corn-colored hair with a pleasant expression and awe. He didn't know how she could be standing in front of him, but she was.

("How did you survive so long Leanne?") Reyson questioned, vocalizing what the hawk king was thinking to himself.

Leanne pulled her lip in shyly, ("Our big sister's put me to sleep and then the forest protected me all this time after that.") she said reflectively, ("And then when I woke up that boy called out to me.") She looked over at Ike who stared back curiously. ("I was afraid he'd hurt me, but he took care of me; him and his men.")

Reyson looked at his sister, trying to make sense of what she was saying. She was honestly claiming the humans had risked their lives to help her. It was unbelievable but he knew his sister couldn't make anything like that up even if she wanted. So not only was he wrong about his first assumption of the humans he also owed them his greatest gratitude.

He caught the female archer watching him and then turned to her brother. He swallowed as he formed a sentence he never thought he would have to make for a human, "Thank you. You've saved my sister's life."

"No need to thank us. It was our pleasure and I'm glad you can be reunited with your sibling." Ike responded.

Reyson was taken aback by the genuiness of the human boy. There was no sarcasm in his voice, what he said was absolute truth. He was a human who was happy for someone else's joy.

"Who are you people?" the prince asked. He knew who they were, the girl had told him, but he didn't know who these humans could be who would actually put their lives in danger for a Laguz. It was unthinkable and unheard of but it was really happening.

Ike and his sister exchanged looks before the commander spoke, "Well we are-"

"No I don't mean who are you literally, but why would humans, I mean Beorc, help me or my sister?"

The commander observed then his shoulders pumped slightly, "Because you needed help. It's not like we could just turn a blind eye." His head was titled as he looked at the prince. He gave no sign that his words were anything but common sense.

"But why would Beorc help Laguz?" Reyson asked to get more to the point of his confusion.

"Because being Beorc or Laguz doesn't matter to me or my crew." He responded matter-of-factly with a straight face as if nothing he said was remotely odd.

"So how did you find the prince Reyson and princess Leanne?" Tibarn questioned unable to hide his suspicion completely.

"The Apostle of Begnion sent us to stop the senator and also to find and rescue the heron he was holding captive."

Tibarn couldn't contain his contemptuous laugh from bellowing through the forest. "Of all the absurd things to say." He began through his disbelieving laughter. "The apostle sent you?"

Reyson nodded his head in agreement with Tibarn's dubiety, "The apostle couldn't care less about what happens to Laguz. If she did there wouldn't be slavery in her country and my forest wouldn't be in the state it's in right now." His formally gracious and elated mood was quickly dropping.

"Indeed boy, we haven't any time for jokes. You've saved Leanne so I will hear you out, but don't waste our time with such nonsense." Tibarn added as he scoffed at Ike.

"I'm not prone to joking." Ike admitted stoically and Aeyori laughed at the humorous truth. "But if you have any questions you can ask her yourself. She's farther out in the forest waiting to talk to you."

Leanne looked at her brother in surprise at the news and Reyson exchanged an equally shocked look with the king and his attendants. The apostle was traipsing in a muddy muggy forest just to talk with him? The more he spent time with the humans the more unbelievable the day became to him.

("If the apostle is here we should go see her.") Leanne said softly in her silvery voice.

Reyson started to shake his head adamantly as a 'no' but Tibarn spoke up with a lusterless groan, "I know I'll regret this, but I agree with your sister. We should see what the empress wants."

The prince's face slowly formed a scowl, he'd gotten his sister back, showed his appreciation to the mercenaries who saved her life, now all he wanted to do was return to Phoenicis. He didn't need to see what the Apostle wanted, he had nothing to say to her.

("Please brother, we need to go.") Leanne pleaded as she read his heart. He frowned imperceptibly, not accustomed to another person being able to read his thoughts but then exhaled loudly in defeat. His sister had been lost for twenty years but some things were still the same. He couldn't refuse her before the massacre and he couldn't now. "Very well Leanne."

A stiffly merging crowd was gathered silently in the forest. Waiting anxiously as they watched the herons and apostle studying each other. A canyon it seemed, lay between them. It was created by the pain and injustices against the herons and the apostle's lack of action to stop them. Even if Sanaki was not alive when the massacre happened, she still carried the sins of her people.

Ike had his men stand a short distance off along with the princess, there was no reason for them to interfere with this meeting. The apostle and the herons needed to solve the issue on their own. Ikyna was breathing heavily besides him and twisting the end of her braid nervously, not sure if the outcome would be good or bad.

Tibarn and his men stood opposite of Ike's mercenaries though much closer to Reyson and Leanne. They were still unsure what this talk would be about and they were wary of the army of soldiers the empress brought with her.

Leanne clung to her brother who glared vehemently at Sanaki. The hatred and anger of his lost people were beaming from his eyes and burrowing into the apostle's chest. The young Begnion leader slowly shuffled closer to the royal herons, her lavish robes looked out of place amongst the mud and ash.

The two white birds kept watching her with mixture of unease and rage. They waited for her to speak her piece and Reyson hoped she would do it soon. He knew he was only standing before the leader of murderers for his sister's sake. But there was nothing Sanaki could say that could fix the rift between their races and he had his heart set on that. He didn't have any intention of listening to the apostle at all.

Sanaki didn't speak at first though. She looked up to the birds with quivering lips and dilated eyes while ringing the threads on her robe roughly. Then she did something no one present expected. The empress fell to her knees, her voice a trembling mess, and begged, "Please, I know the losses you've felt can never be rectified, but I ask, no I plead with you to forgive me and my people."

Sigrun ran to the apostle's side, "You mustn't kneel to anyone empress. Please rise." But Sanaki roughly waved off her attendant and bowed her head lower, "I know I cannot atone for my people and that it is selfish to ask, but please forgive us."

Reyson stuttered incredulously at the audacity of the girl before him. How could she ask for something that was impossible to give? Forgiveness was never an option for the prince. "Yes indeed you are selfish." He seethed as he took a menacing step towards her, "How dare you even ask for my forgiveness after what your people did! No! Any compassion I could have had for you burned up with this forest." He made a broad angry gesture to his burnt home and the apostle cringed before averting her gaze to the ground.

"And for that matter-"

("Brother, calm yourself.") Leanne said as she placed a small hand on his forearm.

"No Leanne I will not be calm. Do know what she's asking?"

("Yes, and we should forgive her. Isn't it time?")

Reyson was stunned that his sister so easily wanted to show mercy to the apostle who was leader of the bloodthirsty humans who slaughtered their family. "Don't ask me to do that. I can't forgive her, don't you know what they've done to us?" his breath caught in his throat as he grew more passionate in his speech.

Leanne dipped her head and nodded grimly, ("I know what they did. The forest told me that we are all alone now.")

"Then how can you expect me-"

Leanne's finger found its way to her brother's lips and she gently hushed him. She held his manic glare with her own steady and calm one. ("You need to let it go. If not for them, then do it for yourself.") She placed her hand on his rapidly beating heart, ("If you hold onto this hatred any longer you'll destroy yourself. I didn't lose you in the massacre I can't stand to have you lost in your own twisted soul.")

Reyson turned away, he was unable to look at her pleading eyes or hear the words he knew to be truths he couldn't bear to face. His sister pleaded softly with him again until he conceded. He groaned loudly but then turned to the empress, "You can rise empress." He said tightly as he roughly ran a finger through his hair, "Our hatred may linger for a long time but worry no longer about what happened in this forest. My sister and I accept your apology. Rest easy."

Leanne watched her brother adoringly as he reached for her hand and she took it happily. The empress stood slowly and wiped her eyes that had misted barely, "Thank you." She stammered. Leanne smiled and Reyson gave a short nod. He looked around at the other Beorc watching and caught the eyes of the female archer from earlier. Her head was titled and she was smiling contentedly, praising his decision with her deep blue irises. He flushed slightly, to his chagrin, but he covered his face quickly before turning and excusing himself abruptly.

Sanaki watched the birds fly away, she was swaying from exhaustion. The confrontation with the herons had worn her out but she felt satisfied that things had partially been resolved. There was still a long journey to go before she could fully repair the damage but on that day she felt as if she had made serious progress.

Ike walked up behind her and she glanced to see his typical expression that looked much like a scowl but she had now grown to understand it was nothing so malicious. He didn't meet her gaze when he finally spoke, "You did good empress."

Sanaki scoffed weakly, she made a desperate attempt to brush off his comment, "Naturally." She said and turned sharply to leave but she secretly felt a small pleasure in his complement.

"Well that went well." Ikyna said as she walked up to her brother. Ike saw his sister with her hands resting on her hips and a queer grin that probably was there from having spent time with the prince. Ike nodded with no audio.

"Hey, hey, you Beorc young ones!" a voice from overhead called. Ike and Ikyna looked up to see the bird Laguz descending. He flew gently over the ground and hovered with his back hunched as he adjusted the green tie around his neck, "The prince would like you mercenaries, the apostle and the Crimean princess to come to the Serenes alter. He has something he wants to show you."

"What is it?" Mist asked.

"If you're so curious then you should come and see." The hawk mildly scolded but with no malice.

Mist looked eagerly at her brother with her hands clasped together in a plea, "Can we go? Please, please, please big brother." Ike put a hand on his sister's head to halt her excited shaking, "Calm down Mist. We'll go." He looked at Ikyna who was barely managing to contain her own excitement, "No objections from you I'm sure." He said sardonically.

Ikyna shrugged coyly and shook her head. Then he inquired to the princess, "If the herons have something to tell us, then I would gladly go." She said with a small inclination of her head.

Ike finally turned back to the hawk, "I guess we'll be going, um…"

"It's Janaff. King's attendant with the best eyes on this side, and probably all, of Tellius." Janaff said as he pointed proudly to his chest with his thumb, "Now follow me."

The mercenaries and princess followed Janaff a short distance to another clearing in the forest that was had six tall marble columns that stood in a circle and supported a thick flat round top that's edges were etched with finely carved vines. The heron siblings were standing on either side of the roof facing the arriving Beorc and a rectangular short structure lay between them.

"All here your majesties." Janaff chirped to the siblings. Reyson nodded before turning towards his sister who did the same. They both closed their eyes and raised their hands to each side and opened their mouths as they began to sing.

The melody rang loudly despite being sang by only two people. Its melodious tune carried through the forest and Beorc alike. It swept through them like a resonant wind and the dead trees began to blow and whistle along with the song. Their dried leaves rattled and whispered and hissed.

Ike turned sharply to Mist who was smiling serenely with her hands clasped together as she swayed slowly, "Isn't this mom's song?" He asked about the familiar tune. Mist shook her head slightly, "No, not exactly, but it's very close." She said as she opened her eyes and gasped. "Ike, Ikyna, look!" she said as she pointed to the sky with a gleeful cry.

The twins followed the end of her finger to the dead treetops. A light like the glowing of fireflies started to spread from one leaf to the next. It consumed the dried and scorched plants and behind came color and life bursting through with vigor.

"You've got to be kidding me." Ikyna said with an astonished gasp as more patches of the golden light spread and flew like wings across the parched land. The wind picked up and chased the luminous streaks and the whole forest slowly came back to life. Its burnt branches returned to their rich oaky color and the ground beneath the mercenaries feet sprang to life with grass and plants of every color.

All around black and gray were turning to lush greens and vibrant yellows and pinks. "This is amazing!" Mist shouted with her arms thrown to her sides as she spun in the wake of the newly reawakened forest.

Ike and Aeyori cautiously took steps on the soft grass and let its welcome cushion cover their muddied boots. "The king of the forest, has returned." Ike said in awe.

The heron's singing started to fade by not the growing of the forest. As if aware of the heron's ending melody the transformation sped up and a rapid gust of wind and light blew past the Beorc. Ikyna laughed freely as her hair was whipped into a frenzy and released from her already loose braid. She let her finger's run through her blue tendrils with the gust as she giggled at the cool and refreshing breeze that smelled rich with greenery and flowers.

She opened her eyes slowly and let out a small yelp when she saw the prince in front of her, eyeing her curiously. Ikyna hadn't noticed him fly up to her when she was lost in moment. She paused and let her hands drop as she giggled, too amazed and happy with what she'd seen to be embarrassed by the princes deep emerald irises.

Reyson pulled his cheek into his mouth as he searched for something to say, he was unsure why he'd flown down to the Beorc girl, but there he was. He was staring, probably unknowingly glaring, at her happily returned grin. But he didn't have to speak, she started the conversation first, breathless from her laughter, "Your home is beautiful." She said as her toothy smile stretched genuinely from cheek to cheek.

The prince felt himself instantly disarmed and for once he couldn't disagree with the Beorc. He simply turned with his own secret baring curl of his lips, "Yes, it really is."

See You next time.

-PG