Chapter 41

Hey guys, sorry for the wait but thank you for your patience. I was going to be lazy and not write for another month or so but my fabulous writing buddy informed me that it is novel writing November. Who knew? Anyway I guess that means I need to get off my butt and be productive this month. *Fingers crossed*

The moon was high in the dark sky, beaming against backdrop of the starless night. The chill of earlier that evening had died down but Ikyna knew that spring was still distant enough to keep a fire burning through the night.

It made her wonder just exactly how long she and her comrades had been on the long journey. Sighing she stretched her neck and took a long whiff of the air. It smelled crisp and cold and reminded Ikyna of Yakuzo's telling words from earlier.

With his nostrils flared Yakuzo declared that it would snow by the next morning. Ikyna squinted at the cloudless sky skeptically.

Though, Ikyna would have welcomed the snow, thinking it might have washed away the awful way she was feeling. Her chest still stung from the memory that she had so easily turned on Aeyori, who had more than once earned her trust.

Again she sighed; her shoulders rising and falling with her long breath, unaware that anyone was standing behind her, "You know I hear, that every time you sigh you lose a little bit of happiness."

Ikyna spun around, her wild hair flew into her face and she wiped it hastily, squinting through the night until she could make out the person following her. Reyson was standing there, his hands clasped behind his back and a soft expression on his face.

Ikyna's heart fluttered in surprise and excitement. "I think I've heard that too." She mused with a small nod, "So I guess that means laughter should bring back your happiness, right?"

Reyson's response was a slow even smile that set her stomach spinning. He surprised her with the way he held himself. A fighter he may not have been, at least not in the since that her brother or the other mercenary men were, but his smile was as male and enticing as any man's could be. It reminded Ikyna of the way her father grinned at her mother when he'd whisper in her ear until she blushed.

"Feel free to do both, I won't mind either." Reyson said, his peridot eyes gleaming playfully.

Ikyna flushed and turned her face; pretending that she had seen something interesting from the corner of her eye. Clearing her throat she smiled shyly, "Careful white prince, if you keep talking like that I might mistakenly think you're flirting with me."

Reyson titled his head slightly to the right, a hint of something whimsical in his gaze, and then he tapped his chin thoughtfully. His lips pursed out and he made a soft contemplating sound, "You thought you mistook me for flirting?" he then flashed another evocative smile, "perhaps I'll be less subtle next time."

Ikyna had barely understood the statement. It sounded flirtatious, almost suggestive, but before she could register what he'd said, Reyson was already changing the subject. "So what are you doing out here alone?" he asked smoothly, making Ikyna question the reason for the sudden warmth around her cheeks.

She paused, still trying to process what he may or may not have been suggesting, until Reyson stepped forward, close enough for Ikyna to smell the pine from the trees on him. It was like his wings and hair were dusted with the forest.

With a soft shuddering breath, she took in the scent, feeling a bitter-sweet nostalgia for her home, and her father who smelled like the Earth. Flooded with memories of home, Reyson stepped closer again without her noticing.

"Hmm?" he prodded, only a breath's distance from her.

Ikyna yelped; Reyson's marble-like green eyes flickered in the moonlight, peering through her. Taking a step back, more like stumbling, she reared back as her arms flailed. Reyson responded quickly; reaching for her, he grabbed her arm and pulled her upright. "Be careful." He admonished.

The archer nodded, only slightly coherent, while mostly focused on the prince. More precisely, where his hand was wrapped around her arm. It felt cool and soft, but far from unpleasant. The hairs on her skin stood up and she felt like she could trace the contours of his fingers with her sudden heightened awareness of his touch. "Your hands are cold." She said absently, nothing else clever to say.

Reyson shrugged and released her, "It's a heron thing; we always run cold." He looked temporarily sheepish, "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"No I didn't mind it." She quickly replied, too quickly for it to sound natural.

The prince heard the rushed tremor in her voice and smirked, "Is that so?"

Again Ikyna sensed an undertone to the princes' question; and again her face burned in the chilled air. Hurriedly she stuffed her thumb in her mouth letting her eyes dart around the icy ground. She spotted something familiar, frosted white and small, and she plucked it abruptly.

It gave her an excuse to turn away from the prince as she tossed the rounded object in the air. Reyson watched curiously, waiting as Ikyna collected herself before questioning her, "What's that?"

At the prince's question Ikyna stopped and grinned. She cupped the small object in both of her hands and walked over to the prince. He eyed it as Ikyna held it under his face like she was protecting a secret.

The prince chuckled to himself at the childish light to Ikyna's face. Bringing her hands up to her face she looked through her clasped hands with one eye, the other trained playfully on Reyson. "I'll give you something nice." She said in a flittering voice.

Reyson suddenly froze and frowned. The words struck a chord instantly in his memory. He looked baffled as his gaze went from Ikyna's hands to her face; searching for the exact moment of when he'd heard that same expression.

Ikyna saw the fall on the heron's face. Biting her lip she dropped her hands, shifting uncomfortably. She pondered over the words she'd said; not finding anything offensive or particularly weird. Hopefully, she opened her palm under the prince's nose, revealing an acorn dusted with icy snow.

The prince looked puzzled; he stared at the seed. Ikyna dug her heel into the ground at the awkward turn of the conversation. With an attempt to ease the mood, Ikyna opened her mouth and began to speak, ""It's small but very precious…"

Reyson slowly raised his head, the words triggering in him a foggy memory, "Won't you keep it safe for me?"

He finished the sentence before Ikyna could. Her eyes widened in surprise at Reyson's expert parroting. Though she realized he hadn't mimicked what she'd said; Reyson knew what she was going to say before she spoke.

Ikyna paused, opened her lips and then closed them quickly, trying to process the oddness of the situation. Reyson only looked intensely; almost haunted by the words. "Why did you say that?" He asked in a truly perplexed whisper.

"Say what?" and to that she added quickly, "I don't know. It's just something my mother used to say.

"Your mother?" Reyson questioned, raising his eyes sharply to look at her.

Ikyna looked unsure, pausing before she answered, "Yes." She shrugged at her own response as if she wasn't sure what the correct answer was. At least, she wasn't sure what Reyson was expecting to hear.

Behind his striking emerald eyes there was a ghost of unease; like her words and their origin were troubling him.

She rubbed the back of her elbow, "I don't know why she said it. Maybe because I was a little small growing up so she always compared me to little seeds. You know, they can grow up to be big and sturdy." Ikyna ended her sentence with a weak questioning tone.

She didn't like feeling like she had to defend herself; although she was sure that Reyson's intent wasn't to grill her. However, Reyson looked like he'd seen a specter and she felt that she was the cause. Even if she didn't know why.

Reyson was still processing the words as Ikyna settled in an uncomfortable silence. Part of him wanted to reply to her, but he had to calm the tiny panic beating in his chest. Those words, the words he'd heard repeating in his mind for months, she'd said them like they were a family phrase.

Yet how could she know him, or, her mother know him for that matter? It made Reyson have to rethink all of his dreams. He'd thought they were memories, but first of Ikyna. Now he wasn't so sure that he hadn't been thinking of Ikyna's mother.

While he thought, Ikyna cleared her throat softly. Reyson's dazed face brightened in attention. He looked at Ikyna, saw her discomfort, and dipped his head sheepishly. He wanted to change the subject, but couldn't contain his curiosity.

Gingerly he approached the subject, trying to not make the conversation any weirder than it already was for the two of them. "Your mother?" He started with a slow steady walk around Ikyna.

He shrugged and shook himself slightly, trying to gain some composure, though he didn't have much. The big question of his dreams could possibly have an answer. "Does she often say things like that?"

Ikyna smiled slightly, she followed Reyson's steadily relaxing mood, "Well, she did."

"Did?" he questioned, hearing the saddening dip in her voice.

The younger archer shifted, unhappy to have to talk about her mother. Dead parents were not her favorite subject especially considering she then knew exactly how her mother had died.

Reyson could feel the clouding in her heart instantly; the pain stabbed at his own heart. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that you'd lost her."

Ikyna's eyes widened and she stepped back like his words had pushed her, "Did you…" she put her hand over her heart protectively, anxious for what she'd allowed to seep out of it, "Did you read my heart?"

Reyson could hear as much as see the panic. Quickly he looked away; desperate to push away the images of her trembling heart. He'd invaded her emotions unintentionally and it filled him with guilt.

"Only a little."

"A little?"

He nodded solemnly, "I could feel the loss and could tell that something tragic had happened. I didn't know she had died. I assumed that you had simply left her back in Crimea to keep her out of the war."

Ikyna looked shaken; she was terrified that he'd seen the truth of her mother's death, or murder. She shuddered to think that her father had murdered her. Ikyna knew it was an accident; that her father had no control of his actions, but the truth hurt either way.

Reyson could sense the terror as much as he could feel his own skin as it prickled with his hairs that stood up in nervous attention. "I'm sorry." He offered. "When did she die?"

He could see Ikyna relax a fraction. She was relieved that he seemed to not have seen the truth about her mother's death. Ikyna ran her hand through her hair, wincing as her fingers snagged on a split end briefly. Then she blew out a weary sigh, "It happened when I was young; I was about 6 or 7."

"How did it happen? Was she sick or…" Reyson stopped abruptly as he saw Ikyna's face darken in both embarrassment and pain.

Her eyes suddenly watered and Reyson could see that she was holding back her emotions. Not from reading her heart, but from the obvious flushing of her face and the sharp intake of breath he heard. "I'm sorry, it's not my place to ask. I know how hard it can be to talk about these kind of things."

Ikyna sniffled, "Yeah." She uttered with some effort, "You would know. After all you lost your mother to such a horrible..."

Ikyna stopped herself, unable to speak so openly about the massacre. Then it was her turn to apologize. She'd spoken out of turn that time. Reyson smiled genially and shook his head, "Don't concern yourself, it's fine. For that matter, my mother didn't die during the massacre."

"Really?"

Reyson nodded and looked up at the sky, a far off look in his gaze, "My mother actually died from her poor health."

"She did?" Ikyna offered, feeling suddenly at a loss for words.

"Yes, shortly after Leanne was born."

"I'm so sorry. It must have been lonely without her." Ikyna said, thinking back to how much she had missed having her mother around when she was younger.

She did love her father, but she still felt there were things that she needed her mother to teach her. Perhaps if she'd spent more time with her mother, instead of fighting with the neighborhood boys, she'd have been more gentle and feminine like Mist. Not that being feminine was usually a concern; but when a certain fair skinned bird was around, she felt most subconscious.

"I would have been lonelier, but I had Luna. She looked after me most of my childhood while my mother was bedridden."

A smile crept over Ikyna's face. She liked the warmth she heard in Reyson's voice. It was like hearing a memory that he had some fondness for, for the first time. Reyson could see the soft pleasant expression on Ikyna's face and he raised his eyebrow in question. "Something funny?"

She shook her head, her blue hair waved like loose vines, "No, I just like hearing you talk about Luna. You always seem happy when you do."

"Well she was quite a lovely person; Tibarn was lucky to have her by his side as a wife."

Ikyna let out a soft chuckle. It was still hard to believe that Tibarn had been married. Gruff, scar covered Tibarn with a dainty heron wife. "How nice for her to have been so well thought of by you two. I think she sounds like the lucky one."

Reyson grinned and got a far off look in his eyes. Nostalgic, pained, but still a glimmer of happiness, "No it was definitely me." He laughed, a short laugh that was almost a scoff, "I caused her a great deal of trouble."

"Trouble?" Ikyna said; it was her turn to scoff.

She didn't believe that the prince was any type of great trouble. At least not the type that would a real bother to anyone. Reyson narrowed his eyes at her, the corners of his lips curled in a smirk and he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. "It seems like you don't believe me."

Ikyna shrugged coyly, "I'm sorry, it's just hard to believe that someone like you was trouble."

"Someone like me?" he asked with an eyebrow raised, "Do explain."

There was a rush of embarrassment that warmed Ikyna's face. She heard a challenge in Reyson's statement; although she could tell he was mostly teasing her. Normally Ikyna didn't enjoy being at the end of someone's personal joke, at least until she met Reyson.

As calmly and nonchalantly as she could she made a noncommittal pump of her shoulders, "How much trouble could a heron be? You guys are so gentle and sweet." Ikyna paused at her own words and Reyson's skeptical look.

His face said it all, or at least exactly what she had just realized. Reyson was probably not a good example of a typical heron. Headstrong, a cut throat negotiator, and he'd made Tibarn sigh in exasperation more than one time.

She had to retract her statement and amend it, "Well, you're a slightly different case."

Reyson tilted his, an impish grin on his face. Ikyna saw that and felt flustered, "I just mean that in most cases herons aren't fighters and so it's hard to imagine you terrorizing anyone."

He mouthed the word terrorize, still smiling, and Ikyna's heart skipped. Clearing her throat she continued, her confidence and cool fleeing her the longer he stared at her. She wondered if he knew exactly what he did to her with just a flick of his emerald eyes. The waggish smile told her, probably so.

"Like, I was always getting into things. Throwing rocks at bee hives, jumping into the half frozen lake with no clothes on because of a dare." Ikyna frowned as she remembered all the insane things she did as a child. How her mother could stand her was a miracle. "Compared to me, what's the worst a gentle heron could do? Kick flowers?"

She finished and Reyson stared blankly at her. Letting her squirm, he pushed his lips from side-to-side, dragging a hand through his golden hair. When Ikyna's stance changed once more, into a rigid uncomfortable stiffness, the prince decided to end his torture.

"You jumped into a lake completely naked?" he asked innocently, desperately trying to hide the smirk at the corner of his face.

Ikyna's face blossomed a dark red in absolute mortification. Of all the things for the prince to remember from her little tangent, why had it been that one? Then again, it was her fault for telling him; but her mouth was always putting her in bad situations.

Trying for indignant, but look mostly embarrassed, Ikyna folded her arms over her chest, "That's what you remember from everything I just said?"

Reyson nodded teasingly.

She blew a breath roughly from her nose. She was still trying to look annoyed; it wasn't working. Finally she gave a quick nod, "Yes, I did it on a dare."

The prince continued to probe. He liked the way her face darkened as the conversation progressed. Maybe it was the fact that he didn't feel the need to read her heart. She was straight forward and simple and he never had to be on guard with Ikyna. He enjoyed the fact that she wore her feelings on her sleeves. It made it easier to bond with her when he knew she never would or could hide things from him.

"How old were you when you did this?" his received a satisfying reddening of Ikyna's ears. Though he couldn't see the color in the night, he could tell her face had darkened up to her forehead.

"Older than I should have been." She mumbled.

"How much older?" he pried while giving her a quick curious appraisal of her figure. She wasn't overly hippy or curvy. The archer was mostly thin and toned muscled, probably from the fighting and training she'd been through, but there was no mistaking that there was a definite woman under her clothing.

Ikyna responded to his silence and reflexively fiddled with her cloths, suddenly feeling exposed in front of the prince. Her heart was racing, not that she hated his gaze, because in it she swore she saw a hint of approval, but she couldn't stand to be peered at by his sharp eyes for long.

"Old enough that my father gave me quite a talking to, but still young enough that it wasn't completely indecent." She finally said as the prince's gaze lifted towards her face.

She cleared her throat, and pulled at the collar of her shirt that was suddenly feeling like a noose around her neck. The effect the prince had on her was unnerving. Although, it was her fault for not catching her tongue before telling that embarrassing story of herself.

"Sorry." Reyson suddenly whispered as he realized that he'd been staring at the poor girl.

He hadn't meant to seem like he was ogling her; but that didn't mean he was blind either. He could very much appreciate her lean figure, especially when she'd inadvertently put the thought in his mind. Ikyna barely heard what he said and didn't respond fast enough before he returned to the conversation at hand.

Now he was flushed as he tried to control his thoughts. "Well at least you were decent." He tried for an ironic tone, but it was lost as he strained to gain control.

"Indeed." Ikyna said sardonically, glad that the prince was no longer staring at her, "but I believe I was asking about you."

"Oh were you?" the prince replied coyly, back in control of the conversation.

Ikyna nodded, "Yes. Tell me, what troublesome things did you do?"

Reyson grinned, "I don't think I can tell you, it may be too much for you to bear."

She scoffed, "I can take it." She challenged with a smirk.

Reyson chuckled inwardly, though at the back of his mind he realized that they'd veered from his initial subject at some point during their conversation. He'd wanted to ask more about Ikyna's mother but here they were about to rehash his childhood scheming.

The prince knew he should try and get the answers he so desperately wanted but he couldn't. Ikyna's waggish smile had his hands figuratively tied. He wanted answers but not at the cost of losing that grin. It was a pure delight for him and he wanted to indulge in that small pleasure.

"Fine, but prepare yourself." He said ominously.

"I'm always prepared."

With that Reyson spun his tales. Reliving some of the funniest and craziest moments of his childhood. For every story he had Ikyna would counter with an equally outrageous one. It went on that way deep into the night.

Reyson laughed to the point that his stomach ached and Ikyna kept feeding his laughter. At one point she told a story of how she tried to sneak 6 stray kittens into a baker's house for shelter by stuffing them under her shirt.

Ikyna could barely make it through the story without stopping to wipe her amused tears and pausing to catch her breath. Reyson listened to her broken story as he sat back with a wide grin. Her stories reminded him of his childhood and all the good times that he had. It made him think about the last time he'd ever really remembered anything that pleasant from his days in the forest. It had been a long time; and that simple girl was the cause. She was starting to change him. Reyson remembered days when he was afraid of changing, but not anymore. He couldn't wait to see what else Ikyna would bring out in him.

Aeyori woke, feverish and in a daze. Her white hair fell into her face and she wiped it, grazing her sticky forehead with the back of her palm. Smacking her lips she looked around the foreign tent, trying to place herself as she drew away from dream and into reality.

Her heart fluttered lightly as she slowly recognized her surroundings. She could see Ike's sword leaned against his small desk reminding her of where she'd spent the night. A blush crept over her cheeks, only adding to her warmed skin.

The Goldoan clutched the blanket draped over her body, pulling it over her chest, suddenly flustered. She couldn't reason why she felt that way. It wasn't the first night she'd spent alone with the commander. Though admittedly, the night prior was far different from the other time.

It hadn't been an awkward night where she stiffly spent hours trying her best to touch the commander as little as possible. Last night hadn't been uncomfortable at all. She'd embraced his touch as he had hers; pulling her close enough to feel his chest rise and fall as he slept.

Ike's chin had rested on her head and his hands had warmly stroked her back until she'd fallen asleep. A few times she'd woken open up, gazed enviously at his long lashes and traced the peak of lips. He didn't wake, only responded to her touch by pulling her closer, burying his slumbering face in the cool silk of her hair.

Just remembering made Aeyori's heart skip in her chest. She then realized that her commander wasn't in the tent with her. Frowning, she eased herself from the covers; shivering in the cool air of the morning. Her feet sought out her sandals and she slipped them on absently.

A meek groan escaped her lips as she winced from a soreness in her back. As if answering her pained call, other varied spots of her body whimpered as they ached. It had been a long time since she'd fought as a dragon and her bones and muscles were reminding her. Fighting a skilled Goldoan like Ena hadn't helped either. Aeyori rubbed a stiff shoulder, remembering that Ena had bitten her there.

She made her way to the opening, following the sound of Ike's voice just outside the tent. Her hands parted the flaps as she exited. He was standing with Soren and Ikyna and Yakuzo. They were in a small circle obviously involved in a serious discussion.

Ike's expression was stoic as usual, but Ikyna was making an emphatic gesture and her voice was elevated. Although, Aeyori couldn't make out the words that she was saying. She started to walk towards the group but Princess Elincia suddenly appeared from the tent beside Aeyori.

The guards posted outside of her tent acknowledged her and she gave them a kind 'good morning.' Her bright emerald eyes then locked on Aeyori. The Goldoan dropped her gaze immediately, a shame she could not contain overtook her.

Elincia was not deterred. She ran up to Aeyori, the skirt of her dress wagging against the icy ground, and abruptly grabbed the dragon's hands. Aeyori made a weak yelp and her reluctant gaze was forced toward the Crimean heir.

"I'm so glad that you're alright Aeyori." She began in earnest.

The princess was peering deeply at her. Aeyori didn't know how to respond, she had been expecting some type of scolding. "You are alright aren't you? I heard about yesterday; you weren't too badly hurt I hope."

Aeyori silently shook her head. She was both confused and embarrassed. "Are you sure?" Elincia insisted, leaning in closely. Aeyori shook her head again but said nothing.

The Crimean offered a wide smile and sighed as she leaned back, "That's a relief, I was so worried."

"Worried?" the dragon questioned.

"Of course." She dropped Aeyori's hands and placed her own clasped in front of her. Brushing a strand of her green hair out of her face she turned to look behind her. The guards posted at her tent were casting suspicious glances at Aeyori.

Their mouths were turned down as the whispered to one another. Elincia couldn't hear them, but from where they were looking and how Aeyori was responding, she could guess. Elincia tried to cast a withering glare at them but it had no effect.

Elincia didn't know how to be intimidating even if that's what she wanted that. The soldiers paid her little attention. They either didn't notice her or couldn't tell why her eyebrows were scrunched up like a wrinkled blanket. She sighed at her own lack of presence. It was hard to believe that she could ever be a ruler of her country.

She tried to remember an expression Ikyna had made once before; that girl could shrivel a plant with a single glance. But that wasn't her skill so she settled for doing what she could for the distraught Goldoan.

Aeyori's eyes kept flitting from the disapproving looks of the soldiers to Ike. It was obvious she wanted to go to him but she was hesitating. A long walk under the unhappy stares of the other men most likely not a welcome idea.

Elincia quickly grabbed Aeyori's hand and began pulling her. The dragon made a small yelp, looked nervously toward the soldiers, but clumsily followed after the princess. "What are you doing?" she asked in weak protest.

The princess was tugging her, though not with great force, as she responded with a serene smile, "You want to see Ike don't you?"

Aeyori's obvious answer was a yes but she said nothing. Elincia didn't need a verbal response, the subtle pink tint that spread over her cheeks was enough of a clue. Then she answered her own question, "Of course you do, so we should go and talk with him."

Aeyori was helpless to resist. Not that Elincia was overwhelmingly strong, but her eyes were sparkling with excitement. There was so little that she could help with. She couldn't fight in the wars or come up with battle winning strategies, but she'd do what she could to help her friends. They'd been risking their lives for her; it was the least she could do.

That was why Aeyori complied with the princess. The overpowering pull of sincerity made her impossible to resist. For that matter, Aeyori did want to see Ike; badly in fact. She knew that he wouldn't look at her with such suspicious eyes.

"My lord Ike." Elincia called cheerily, waving at the group of mercenaries locked in discussion.

The commander paused and turned to the princess; giving her a small nod of acknowledgement. He then looked passed the beaming princess and saw Aeyori with her head hanging. He called her name softly but firmly. Before she could raise her head the tips of her ears shone pink between her white hair.

She looked up at him shyly. Both embarrassed that the princess had to drag her to him and also for the way his voice licked over her. "Hello Ike." She squeaked.

Elincia laughed at the somewhat awkward interchange between the couple, "Look how happy he is to see you." She said happily.

"Happy?" Aeyori questioned.

It was hard to say if he was really happy, at least not from his expression. It was as passive and straight as usual. Barely a hint that he was moved at all by her arrival at all. She was having an impossible time containing her response to him. Without seeing her own face she knew it was the color of a burnt red sunset.

Elincia was still standing between the couple, she knew they wanted to be closer but she doubted they'd make the first move. She'd seen love in its beginnings and all the nervous anticipation it brought with it.

Elincia grabbed Aeyori's hand that was in hers and grabbed Ike's. He gave her a peculiar look but she brushed it off with a smile and joined their hands together. "Yes, he's happy, I can see it in his eyes."

Aeyori looked skeptically at the corners of Ike's eyes, searching for the sign that Elincia was so sure that she had seen. If he hadn't told her yesterday that he liked her, she'd still doubt him.

Ike's eyebrow was raised as he glanced down at her. For a brief moment she saw his deep blue eyes soften and lift warmly at her. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She felt her happiness swell and she blushed and looked away briefly. Elincia saw the sweet interchange between the two and felt content with her good work.

"Princess Elincia." A soldier called as he ran up to the group.

She turned to him and he bowed, "The weather is quite chilly. You should return to your tent as stay near the fire.

The princess looked like she wanted to protest. Her thin lips pushed out in a small pout but she quickly composed herself. Though she was never the official princess of Crimea, she had enough training to know that a certain level of decorum was expected of her. If she wanted to stay with the group it didn't matter. Trying to insist on her own way would only make her attendants worry more.

With a small sigh she nodded and smiled, "Then I'll take my leave." She said and followed reluctantly after the Begnion knights.

"She's such a funny one, that princess." Ikyna chirped, and then she looked at Aeyori and smiled, "Good morning, it's good to see you Aeyori."

The statement drew Aeyori's attention and she met the gaze of a cheerful looking Ikyna. Aeyori was relieved to see a much lighter expression on her face than the night prior. It seemed that Ikyna's reservations about the Goldoan were gone.

Then something else caught Aeyori's face. It was Yakuzo's face sticking out from between Ikyna's arm. The archer had her feline friend in a headlock. He wasn't struggling against her, he was just tucked in a headlock, looking bored and Ikyna wasn't giving any sign that their position was weird.

Ike didn't seem bothered either. "Is something the matter?" she addressed to Ikyna who shook her head casually. Aeyori wasn't satisfied with the answer. It was like Ikyna didn't even realize she had a cat under her arm.

Aeyori decided to be less subtle, "What's wrong with Yakuzo?

The question received a soft sigh from Ike, a groan from Yakuzo, and Ikyna answered back with a dismissive wave of her free hand, "That's an excellent question. Our friend Yakuzo has made the mistake of speaking without thinking and must now remain in the headlock of repentance."

"What did he say?" she inquired.

"Nothing!" he drawled and at the same time Ikyna tightened her arm around his neck.

He gagged dramatically and glared at her. She gave him the same look with interest, "As I recall there is no talking in the headlock of repentance."

Yakuzo gaped, looked to Ike for support, but found none. Ike had a disinterested look on his face as he shrugged. He'd been with Ikyna his whole life and was fully aware of how impossible she could be at times. Though, it was a relief that someone was else was receiving her attention instead of him.

As it stood, no matter how much the cat was scowling, Ike couldn't help but feel that he was a little happy. It hadn't gone unnoticed by the general that Yakuzo had been going between pouting and hostile recently. The commander could only attribute the change in Yakuzo's demeanor was caused by the sudden arrival of the white prince.

Yakuzo had basically reverted back to his old personality when he had first joined their group. The Gallain didn't seem like the jealous type; but he had become slightly possessive of Ikyna. Ike only hoped that his sister would realize this and give him a little more attention before Yakuzo had it out with the prince and caused a whole new set of problems.

Though for the time being; Yakuzo seemed content to be smothered by Ikyna. Bad attention was still attention.

As long as the cat looked a little happy, and his sister was just being her normal overbearing self, he could focus on Aeyori. Without saying anything to her at first, he gave her a quick once over. She still looked a little pale but Ike assumed that was from the cold weather. It was hard to get the circulation moving when they were standing still. Not that the young man enjoyed fighting, but at least he was never cold when he was.

Her hair was a little messy too. The back was raised slightly where she had slept and her eyes only had small bags under them. For the most part she seemed to be doing better than the night prior. Whatever Soren and she had talked about hadn't shaken her up too much; at least that was what Ike was hoping. It was impossible to tell though.

Aeyori wasn't sharing the information and Soren had the same apathetic look on his face as always. It was clear that Ike wasn't going to get any stories out of either of them. Being that as it was, Ike would just have to settle with keeping an eye on both of them to make sure he could handle anything that might happen.

He caught himself staring at her, completely lost in thought. She called his name quietly and he refocused, offering her a slight smile. "Did you sleep well?"

Aeyori nodded slowly, the tiniest grin on her face, and Ike could feel himself relaxing. At least she could smile. If she was still nervous about her siblings she was able to manage her emotions. That was good. Everyone needed to have a grasp on their emotions as the battle against Daein intensified. However, the news about possible trouble in Goldoa was making Ike nervous. Especially as he thought that his team might have to face more of the dangerous lizards. Even worse would be if they came across her siblings.

"Aww." Ikyna interrupted, a wide smile on her face, "You two are such a cute couple." She gushed, cradling Yakuzo closer to her chest as she did. He made a rasping noise but stopped short as Ikyna shot him a glare. A reminder that those in the 'headlock of repentance' could make no sound.

Aeyori blushed at the comment. It was true that Ike and she could be considered a couple, but it was embarrassing to hear it said out loud. Though the embarrassment was more pleasurable than mortifying.

Ike didn't miss a beat in responding, "Thank you." He said casually.

Ikyna beamed and Aeyori shot Ike a questioning look, surprised that he hadn't hesitated to respond since, though their relationship had changed, they hadn't used the word 'couple' to describe themselves.

Ike glanced at her from the corner of his dark eyes. He gave her hand a gentle reassuring squeeze, but said nothing more. That response sufficed. It he was comfortable than Aeyori had no reason to doubt.

"Ike." Soren interrupted softly.

The couple turned to him. Soren looked at both of them passively, even at Aeyori. She had expected his normal vicious glare, but he didn't looked concerned. The discussion of the previous night seemed to have taken away some of his bite. Of course, he had basically blackmailed her, there was no reason for him to be upset anymore.

Aeyori was under his thumb and all she could do was cringe and wait until he gave her, her first task. Either that or she would have a very long story to tell Ike. She wasn't ready for either. Ike briefly glanced between the sage and the Goldoan. There did seem to be some kind of tension between the two of them, but he couldn't place it.

He sighed wearily, "What is it Soren?"

"I believe we were discussing our next course of action for this war. Shall I continue?"

Ike nodded and gestured for him to continue. The sage had been going over their battle strategy for the next altercation with Daein. Ashnard had stumped his team once by using the Daein keep as a decoy, but Ike wouldn't let that happen again. If he could trust Nasir's word, though there was still room to doubt, going to Palmeni shrine would put them on the right course.

Aeyori seemed to trust the white dragon and Ike trusted Aeyori. Although he couldn't completely remove the feeling of unease. There were a lot of unknown variables playing into the situation. Fortunately Soren was still keeping a level head. Despite his outburst the other night, Soren was still preforming his duties amazingly. Their success thus far was most likely due to the strategist's good planning.

As Soren began to speak Aeyori let go of Ike's hand and pulled away slowly. He gave her a questioning look and she offered an unsure smile. "I'm not sure I need to be in this meeting. You finish your conversation with Soren, I'll leave."

"You don't have to do that." Ike said calmly.

"It's fine. I'm feeling a little cold out here anyway." That was the partial truth. The snowy air was nipping at her exposed fingers like sharp needles. But her shivering was caused mostly by her own nerves.

Being in Soren's presence still had her rattled. He hadn't brought up anything from their previous conversation but her chest still tightened around him. As much as she wanted to stay with Ike, her nerves couldn't permit her.

"You, go with her." Ikyna said to Yakuzo.

He looked up at her, annoyed, and responded, "How, I'm still in a headlock."

She released him and spat her tongue out. "Behave yourself and I'll put you on temporary release."

Rolling his eyes he yawned and placed his hands on his hips. His tail flicked and he looked unimpressed by her threat. "You sure have gotten pretty high and mighty recently." He said, revealing a pointed fang from under his curled lip.

He put a palm on her head and gave her a rough noogie. She groaned and gave him a quick jab to his stomach. When Yakuzo raised his fist to retaliate Soren cleared his throat loudly. The Gallian clicked his tongue. It seemed that every Beorc in that camp felt they could boss him around; it was like he'd lost all of his Laguz pride.

Begrudgingly he complied but not before tugging on Ikyna's braid who responded by pulling his tail as he passed. He yelped and Ikyna glared back but Ike thought he saw the hint of a smile on Yakuzo's face.

Aeyori gave a small smile and followed after the cat. After one last lingering stare toward Aeyori Ike focused on Soren again. Preparing his mind to take in all the information.

It wasn't until Aeyori was out of ear shot from the commander and Soren that she could relax. The sound of Soren's voice unnerved her. It reminded her of the cold calculating person he was. How he and Ike became such good friends was a mystery.

As Aeyori thought that the hairs on her neck began to stand up at attention. She felt as if someone was standing near her. Stopping to check her surroundings she realized it was Yakuzo who was so close to her.

His marble like golden eyes were peering at her as his nostrils flared. She made a weak sound of surprise and leaned away as Yakuzo took a final whiff. He tilted his head to the side, looked thoughtfully, but said nothing else as he turned to keep walking.

"Excuse me?" Aeyori stammered, waiting for the explanation Yakuzo didn't seem like he was going to give.

"It's nothing really." He said. His ears flicked from side-to-side, "I can just barely pick up your Laguz scent."

Aeyori parroted his words and brought her wrist up to test her own smell. She frowned, she smelled like iron and sweat. The constant travel and battles were no good for hygiene. The moment they found an unfrozen body of water she would dive into it head first.

"Maybe it's the smell of the weapons that's masking my Laguz scent." She explained. Though she already knew what the actual problem probably was.

Like Nasir she had become accustomed to living among Beorc. Because of that her Laguz presence had weakened. Even Nasir had complained about it; though she hadn't noticed until he had brought it up to her.

Yakuzo shook his head in response, "That wouldn't matter." He tapped the tip of his nose, "I've got a pretty good nose, even by beast Laguz standards."

He said that, not boastfully, but as a matter of fact. Aeyori could only assume he was telling the truth. "Although." He said, gazing up at the sky, "Maybe since you changed into a dragon, it's gotten a little stronger."

"Maybe." She whispered gloomily.

She didn't like thinking about her dragon nature changing things about her. She'd done all that she could to remove that sordid past from her life and memory. Yakuzo didn't seem to notice the drop in her mood or he didn't care.

He pulled further ahead of Aeyori, crunching in the shallow snow as he walked. The two reached a cluster of tents; the largest of which was used for meetings in the group. There was a frosted tree with a low hanging branch that Yakuzo jumped to grab.

He dangled for a moment before swinging himself onto the branch where he perched for a minute and let out another long yawn. His tongue lulled out of his mouth past his carnivore canines. Finally, after a slow easy stretch, he sprawled on the branch, letting his legs and tail hang over the edge. He was asleep without further prodding and Aeyori was left alone with her thoughts.

Quickly she spotted Titania seated on a large stone. The knight was hunched over her poleaxe sharpening the blade with a flat stone. It screeched as it slid across the dulled blade. Aeyori could see the age and abuse crusted over the metal sliver. The sound reminded her of how her mother would sharpen her talons against stone or thick tree trunks.

Titania heard the approaching footsteps, years of battle had made her hyper aware of movement near her. She glanced up and nodded politely. Aeyori returned the gesture and sat down on a nearby stone. "Good morning Titania."

"Good morning Aeyori." She offered little more than that and returned to her weapon. Aeyori wasn't surprised though, Titania wasn't overly talkative usually. But Aeyori still liked the white knight. Though she said little, she was strong but still had a gentle side. Plus she was one of Ike's most trusted advisors.

"Excuse me, Titania?"

The knight didn't stop her work as the stone screeched against the weapon. "Yes Aeyori."

The Goldoan searched for the right words to say. She hadn't seen Titania since she'd seen her with the commander the night prior but the experienced warrior had shown her kindness when she feared the worst from her mercenary friends.

"I wanted to say thank you for last night."

"Pardon me?" she asked as she paused and raised her head.

Aeyori waited, watching as the knight pushed stray strands of her scarlet hair from her face. Aeyori drew a deep breath and got her words together, "I heard from Ike that you really stood up for me last night. I appreciate it; I'm glad to have someone on my side."

Titania was silent as she placed her poleaxe at her side. Her expression turned serious and Aeyori felt that the knight would say something grave. "Do you know why I defended you?"

The Goldoan shook her head. Titania sighed heavily, possibly from the questioning, or possibly from the wear of extended battle. Aeyori didn't know what the real reason was but she found herself sighing as well. Though her heavy breath was due to her own feeling of unease.

Titania looked directly at Aeyori, no humor in her eyes, just a fixed serious expression. Aeyori had always found the knight to be kind, but in her direct eyesight, the red-head was very intimidating. "I've noticed that you and commander Ike have gotten very close."

Aeyori nodded, expecting to be chastised, "I care for him very much." She said; feeling that her silent compliance was not enough, she had to verbalize what she thought.

For a brief moment Titania's hardened face softened and there was a flicker of a smile on her lips. She had liked Aeyori's answer. The momentary softness of the knight's face changed to one of thought. "You remind me of Ike's mother sometimes." She began.

Aeyori's eyes widened. The conversation had taken a turn that she hadn't expected. Ike never spoke much about his mother, neither did Ikyna. The Goldoan frowned in confusion, not sure how or if she should respond.

Titania didn't make her wonder for long, quickly she explained, "Not your looks of course; and I suppose I should clarify. You aren't exactly like her, Ike's mother was a very unique woman, but certain things you do remind me of her." Then the older woman put a hand to her chin and tapped it; not able to put her finger on the exact similarity she felt.

Then she realized what it was, that subtle similarity. "When I see you and Ike together, it reminds me of the former commander Greil and his late wife."

Aeyori waited patiently as the knight explained more, her interest was outweighing her nervousness. "I knew the commander Greil for a very long time. You knew this, right?"

The young woman nodded, remembering that the white knight had seemed particularly close to the commander. She'd showed him a great amount of respect and admiration, and had taken his death very hard.

Titania continued, "He was always such an impressive fighter; both brilliant and strong. He was always desired by many woman, so it came as no surprise to me when he announced that he was getting married."

Aeyori continued listening; realizing that she had never heard the older woman talk that much since they met. However, it seemed that commander Greil was an easy topic of discussion.

"I expected him to introduce me to this incredible and magnificent woman; but that's not what I saw when I first met her. She was thin and soft spoken with no talent for weapons or even magic. The commander towered over her like a bear to its cub. The two couldn't have appeared more mismatched if they wanted."

Then Titania paused as if she was struggling to say something. There was a visible lump in her throat that she took some time to swallow before speaking again, "I resented her." She finally said quietly; and no doubt shamefully.

"Resented?"

She nodded grimly, "I couldn't accept some frail looking woman as the great commander's wife. She couldn't wield a weapon or use magic. All she could do was heal." Titania rubbed a hand through her crimson hair, shutting her eyes as if struggling through her memories.

Aeyori shifted and rubbed the back of her elbow. She couldn't help feeling this story of a weak and unworthy woman was somehow related to her. But the dragon kept her eyes glued to the knight who continued with her story.

"Perhaps I was young and naïve; but I assigned too much importance to physical strength. My commander proved me wrong though." She said with a light chuckle, "and so did his wife."

A light a sad warmth brightened the corner of Titania's face. "What that woman lacked in strength she made up for with her strength of spirit and conviction. She matched Greil in all he did in her own way."

There was a sweetness in the battle hardened mercenary's voice as she recalled her old friend. The way he and his wife seemed to move and breathe together. He was like a wild animal and she was nature that embraced him. For all his gruffness she was kindness and tenderness. And as much as they seemed like the most unfit couple; they seemed to match in ways that Titania couldn't deny.

"She was stronger than I could even imagine, but…" She smiled, "I guess I should have expected that from the woman Greil chose."

Titania suddenly looked like a young maiden. A remarkably feminine looked made her face almost glow. Years of battle melted off of her and were replaced by a sweet grin, "Greil would never have chosen anyone not worthy."

"She sounds like quite an amazing woman. I wish I could have met her." Aeyori admitted bitter sweetly.

Any part of Ike's history was welcome to Aeyori. Plus, any woman spoken of so highly by Titania must have been incredible. Then on an even sadder note, "I wish I could have known Greil better as well."

Titania stood and stretched her sore muscles. She twisted from side-to-side groaning tiredly, the former lightness on her face gone. "You know Ike." She began with one final creaking stretch of her sides, "That boy is as much like his father as any son could be."

The thought of Ike warmed Aeyori's heart. Then sadly she thought, "I suppose he has similar taste in woman then?" There was an underlying question. Titania sensed it. The Goldoan doubted if she could live up to Ike's mother.

"Ike chose you for a reason; and I trust his judgment, and that," she paused for effect as she approached Aeyori and put a hand on her shoulder, "that is why I defended you."

Aeyori felt emotions stir in her stomach along with some sudden pressure. She didn't know what Ike had picked her for, they hadn't exactly had a long chat about it. But the stories of the twin's mother had set a high bar.

Titania hooked her poleax her back; it clinked into place, "I'm sure he had his reasons." She said noticing the doubt on Aeyori's, "Make you sure earn it though." She said as a gentle warning.

It was a warning that sunk deep into Aeyori's chest. Not really because she was afraid of the task, but because it was what she so greatly wanted to do. But she wasn't sure how she could become a woman acceptable for Ike. Not in his eyes, but in her own.

She caught sight of Ike and Ikyna walking over to her and Titania. The white knight murmured, "Here they are." With that their brief conversation was over and the paladin started an easy stroll to meet the children of her former commander.

Aeyori paused to watch the twins as they approached. Sapphire hair and eyes to match, their confident strides hid their young age. Though they could hardly be considered youth anymore; not after what they had been through during that war. Yet, unlike herself, who'd let her past ruin her future, those two faced the world fearlessly.

The question had to be raised. How did one earn the right to stand by Ike's side?

You would have to be strong, in control, and sure of yourself to even attempt it. Aeyori hadn't been any of those things since her childhood. That excuse was fine when she was wondering around the continent, but it didn't work in her current situation. Soren, and even Titania to a degree, had made it clear they wouldn't tolerate anyone unworthy of their commander and friend.

Aeyori wouldn't be able to accept herself either. Some way and somehow, she'd have to learn to face her issues and endure. As it was, that was the least that everyone else was doing in that war.

As the Goldoan was thinking Titania murmured something, "Who is that?"

The words turned Aeyori's attention to a tall broad shoulder man she hadn't noticed earlier. His short blue hair contrasted against the scarlet armor her wore and his golden cape the rippled as he walked beside Ike and his sister.

Aeyori switched her gaze to Titania whose lips had flattened into a line. There was curiosity and suspicion in the knight's voice as she walked toward the commander and the unknown soldier. Aeyori followed after her, catching Ike's eye as she did.

Titania reached the twins first and the exchanged brief words. Then she turned to the man in crimson armor. Both acknowledged each other with polite nods as they reached to shake each other's hands. Aeyori was able to catch the end of the exchange, "It's a pleasure to meet you General Zelgius. I've heard great things about your work for the Begnion army."

The Begnion general offered a small polite smile, "I've only done what a soldier should have."

"Who is this?" Aeyori interrupted.

Ike looked mildly confused. He was scratching his head with a shallow scowl, "This is General Zelgius from Begnion. It seems that the general and his army will be joining us in the war."

Aeyori turned to the man; he loomed over her. He had sharp eyes and an angular jaw; he'd have been intimidating if not for his calm demeanor. When he caught her eye he nodded with a small and polite smile, "Ma'am."

He spoke gently and Aeyori felt at ease. Behind her Ike put a hand softly on the small of her back. She jumped slightly until she realized it was him. Looking back she smiled and put a hand on Ike's chest as he pulled her into his side.

There was a slight crinkling at the corner of the Begnion general's eyes. He looked from Ike to Aeyori, a hint of amusement flashed briefly across his face but it was barely noticeable. The impassive expression of a dutiful soldier replaced it quickly.

"My Lord Ike?" Elincia slowly made her way through the crowd. The sudden commotion of the newly arrived Begnion army had peaked her interest. She held the bottom of her tangerine dress in her hand as she walked briskly in the snow; trying not to catch its ends on her shoes.

Glancing back two soldiers clamored after her in their noisy armor; shouting her name urgently. She looked over her shoulder, mildly distressed and obviously in desperate desire to escape her guards. They pursued her diligently until their eyes met with Ike's.

He waved them off with a flick of cerulean irises and they halted, nearly bumping into one another. Nervously they looked from princess to the lord but found that his stern looking face was intimidating enough. Offering a trembling bow of their heads they scuttled out of the crowd and let the princess reach the commander with no further resistance.

Elincia stopped and paused before speaking to catch her breath. Ike waited patiently. "My Lord Ike, who are all these soldiers."

Ike gestured to Zelgius who locked eyes with Elincia, "Begnion has sent us the support of their army for the rest of the war. This is their General Zelgius."

A light sparkled in the princess's eyes as she clasped her hands and smiled at the broad shoulder knight clad in crimson. Seeing him as like seeing hope for her country. "Your majesty." Zelgius addressed, his voice deep and commanding.

He crossed a hand over his chest, dipped his head, and knelt before the princess. "It is an honor to meet you. On behalf of the apostle of Begnion and Duke Persis, myself and my men are at your service. It will be our pleasure to serve you."

The Begnion general stayed on his knee, gaze directed at Elincia's feet. She stammered and flushed lightly, looking around at the group of soldiers and mercenaries alike all watching for her reaction. She didn't like it. All her life she'd been the princess no one knew existed. There were a few trusted people who looked after her, Lucia and Geoffrey, but never like the crowd that was watching her then.

Her face started to warm as she was unable to determine what to do. She was never one who liked the attention that came with being royal. As her pulse quickened and the blush crept to her ears she felt a gentle nudge in her back.

It snapped her out of her small panic. Ike was the one who had pushed her softly with his elbow. He nodded toward the kneeling knight offering silent encouragement in a way that only Ike could. Without a smile or words but Elincia could sense his support.

Taking a deep breath she swallowed her anxiety and doubts and placed her small hand on Zelgius's shoulder. He raised his head slowly, waiting for her response. With a regal smile she spoke, "Please rise sir knight. I gladly accept the kindness of your apostle and duke. Thank you for supporting myself and my Lord Ike."

Zelgius nodded as he stood. Elincia let out a silent sigh and quickly looked toward Ike for his approval. He gave her a small smile and a slight inclination of his head, filling Elincia with pride. Zelgius stood, his movement smooth a quick like a man who felt no burden from his heavy armor.

It groaned softly as the plates slid against each other. His expression serious, Zelgius turned his attention back to the young commander. He was only and chin higher than Ike but the bulky red armor made him seem like a giant.

Ike wasn't one to be intimidated by size. He'd been carrying his own in a fight for some time; against more than one soldier that was bigger than him. His father being one of those men. He matched the Begnion knight's gaze steadily until Zelgius spoke, "I've been given instructions to help you in any way I can. What are your orders commander?"

Rubbing the back of his short hair he sighed, "I'm not really sure what to do with your soldiers as of now. I'm not used to leading such a large group of men."

Zelgius nodded silently in understanding. "My men and I are heading towards Palmeni shrine right now, I'll have you and your men hang back and fight off any pursuing Daein armies."

"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer us be with your group to watch the princess?"

Elincia flushed at the mention of her. She made a quick look between the two commanders before shifting closer to Ike; the man she was more comfortable with at the time. Ike shook his head definitively, "No, it will be fine while I work up the best plan for how to utilize your unit." Letting his eyes wander toward the grim looking sky, "Or at least I'll wait until I talk with my strategist." At the mention of Soren, Aeyori tensed against Ike's chest.

He caught her figure going rigid from the corner of his eye but whatever had her shaken only lasted for a moment. Her chest rose with a deep inhalation followed by an even longer exhalation. She had her eyes closed like she was trying to steady herself.

Ike didn't have the time to question her like he wanted as he looked back at Zelgius. The general was hesitating; clinching his jaw as he held in what he wanted to say. Then he glanced at Elincia, questioning her silently with his sharp teal eyes.

Elincia made a soft yelping sound and busied her hands with crumpling the front of her dress. "I agree with my lord Ike." She finally said.

Another beat swept past the group, Ike and his men waited as the Begnion knight's angular jaw tightened in thought. Finally his expression softened briefly, "If that is the princess's wish and your orders than I will comply."

Ike furrowed his brows in confusion, "I'm surprised you agreed so quickly. Normally people from Begnion are a bit more rigid. Especially the nobles" He said with blunt honesty.

A faint smile cracked over Zelgius's face; he knew exactly what Ike had meant. He'd been in the presence of nobles for his entire stay in the large nation. "A soldier's job is to be flexible in war. This is no different."

The point was true, though very rarely was it applied when it came to the high society of Begnion. It was refreshing for Ike to meet someone who didn't stick so closely to the strict, and often unnecessary laws of Begnion. If Zelgius was always so reasonable the apostle's help would be both appreciated and enjoyed.

"At your leave then. I will gather my men and post us toward the rear of the camp." He gave a polite bow and excused himself.

His golden cape flickered in the cold wind; the red metal of his armor bright against the gloomy backdrop as he called out to his men. The soldiers hurried at attention; quick to follow their commander's orders.

For all of Begnion's flaws, their army was no joke. They moved and worked like they were all in perfect sync. They made the small group of mercenaries look almost ragtag. But despite their size, they had still managed to come far in the war on greatly their own power. Now with Zelgius on their side, it would give Ike's men more breathing room.

When most of the Begnion men were out of sight Ike gave Aeyori a quick squeeze to her shoulder before releasing her. There was no more time to dawdle. Too many questions needed to be answered at the Daein temple.

"Are we ready to go?" Aeyori asked as she followed Ike's train of sight. He was looking towards the mercenaries. They were all scattered around the camp, weapons and breakfast in hand. Some talking and laughing loudly while others were huddled close the bonfire in the middle of the camp.

The mercenaries really were the exact opposite of the Begnion army. No matching armor or colors. Laguz and Beorc alike all sitting and talking together. Despite that, Ike wouldn't have wanted to march into a battle with any other group. His father had brought a good band of men and woman together; and what Ike had brought in only made it better.

"Let's get ready to move out." Ike called to his men.

The snapped their heads in his direction each flashing different expressions of readiness from smiles to solemn nods. Ikyna was standing under the tree Yakuzo had fallen asleep on. She tossed a rock at him, "Get up, it's time to work for a living." She barked.

His red ears flicked and he opened a sleepy eyelid before arching his back in a long yawn. With little rush he jumped from the branch, still yawning, as Ikyna ranted something inaudible to him. The Laguz was not phased but that didn't stop Ikyna.

"Alright Aeyori let's go see if your kinsman was telling the truth."

Aeyori paused and flinched, a sense of dread welling inside of her at the possible outcome of their coming mission. They were staking a lot of faith on the claims of a man who had betrayed their company and many Laguz. For that matter he was still hiding other things from her that made Aeyori nervous.

"Ike," she called his name but paused to formulate her question best, "Do you want him to be telling the truth, or not?"

Ike put his hands on his hips and the wear of the long war and journey showed across his face. "It's difficult to say, but I guess I hope he's lying."

The answer surprised Aeyori; though Ike was never one to give a conventional answer. "Why?"

He gave a tired sigh, "Because if he's telling the truth and Goldoa really does have a hand in this," he stopped to rub the temples of his head, "then we'll be in a lot of trouble fighting Daein and Goldoa."

Aeyori shuddered at the thought. Clashing swords and claws with the people of her homeland was not a welcomed thought. Especially if her brothers or sister were on the other sides of those battles. That didn't change what the truth probably was however. With her head hanging low she murmured sadly, "I don't think he's lying."

With a groan Ike nodded, "I don't think so either."

His grim response sent a chill down Aeyori's back and she had to look away from her commander. She decided to look towards the sky for solace but instead she found that the gray stormy looking clouds overhead matched Ike's ominous tone all too well.

Snow fall had turned into a consistent drizzle with no sign that it would let up any time soon. The mercenaries were glad that their next job would be within the walls of the Daein shrine. Just the march from the base camp had sent the cold through their armor and boots. Only the constant movement had saved them partially from the frigid icy bite of winter.

They all stood looking up at the large temple dedicated to the goddess. It loomed like a great shadow over the surrounding area. Open arches, stone walls, and opulent large statues of the goddess with arms reaching out toward the approaching group of fighters stood before them.

Ike looked at his sister who was scowling deeply. "It's not like you to be nervous before a fight." He observed.

Ikyna clicked her teeth and adjusted her bow on her shoulder, "I'm not any more nervous than I should be. It's just Yakuzo was right about the snow and now he's looking all smug."

Yakuzo was standing behind Ikyna, his fangs gleaming in a smirk. He did indeed looked smug. "I suppose even he has to be right some of the time." She added with a disgruntled huff of breath.

Her brother chuckled softly and motioned for her and the rest of the men to follow as he entered the tall doors of the shrine with big push. There was a group sigh that traveled from each mercenary as they trudged from the slowly rising snow to the stone flooring.

It was still chilly enough for the soldiers to see their own frosty breath but the rough bite of the snow fall was gone as they entered the protected room. Before they even had a chance to enjoy the shelter a man in long white robes scurried over to them.

He was making all kinds of obnoxious coughing sounds, smoothing and then wrinkling his robe, and touching his forehead with several quick jerky movements. "You're here." He bubbled out with wide eyes.

Ike raised one brow slowly in question. The priest cleared his throat and tried to still himself, though he continued to shift slightly on his feet, "What I mean to say is welcome." He rubbed his hands together tensely, "My name Tomenami, I am the head priest of this temple of the goddess."

With an unnatural bow of his head he offered a shaky smile, "What can I do for you weary travelers."

As Ike began to explain Ikyna noticed that her feline friend had disappeared from behind her. She looked over both shoulders before turning around completely. At the beginning of a hallway Yakuzo stood with his hands in his pockets and his nose to the wall as he gave it a few short sniffs.

His face scrunched in disgust as he snorted and turned down the corner. Ikyna followed, glancing back at her brother still locked in conversation with the strange priest. "Yakuzo." She whispered loudly as she chased after him.

The cat's nose was to a smaller statue of the goddess as Ikyna reached him and shoved him lightly. "What are you doing?" she hissed.

He tilted his head to the side, his eyes flashing a like gold but he said nothing. Ikyna sighed at his lack of response, "You shouldn't be wandering off like that."

Yakuzo scoffed, "Wandering off? I'm not some child who will get lost." He crossed his arms broodingly, "Anyway we came here to investigate, what's it matter if I look around?"

Ikyna had to pause, his reasoning wasn't incorrect. Their main goal was to search the castle at the advice of Nasir. Not that she felt they should take that man at his word. "I guess." She admitted as she turned around the modestly decorated shrine. "But what made you come over here?"

Yakuzo shrugged casually, "I smelled something strange."

"Strange?"

He snorted softly, "I smell iron and steel. Beorc weapons."

"You're traveling with a group of Beorc mercenaries, that's not that weird."

The Laguz didn't seem convinced, "Maybe, but we just got here. The smell of weapons is all over this place." His voice trailed off as he spoke.

Ikyna frowned at the meaning of her friend's statement. There wasn't a reason for priests to have weapons and if Yakuzo hadn't caught the scent of Ike's men, then that meant some other army had been there. The thought was unsettling.

Her concentration was suddenly broken by Yakuzo's low snarl. She turned to him sharply as his fangs shown and he shifted into his beast form. "What is it?" Ikyna asked as she tensed and grabbed her bow and an arrow.

Yakuzo didn't respond, instead he arched his back as he began to stalk the unseen prey. A low, dangerous growl rumbled in his throat with each stealthy and slow step he took. Ikyna pulled her string back loosely and followed the direction of Yakuzo's hunter eyes.

She saw nothing in the shadow of the hall corner but the faintest movement. The archer was barely able to register what she saw by the time that Yakuzo sprang forward into a sprint. With a feline screech he pounced on the hidden figure.

It took a few seconds longer for Ikyna to catch up with the cat but she could hear the struggle even before that. "Let me go!" came a young sounding voice; like one of a child.

When Ikyna realized that it was a kid that Yakuzo had in his grasp she slowed and put her bow back in the quiver. Yakuzo emerged from the dark corner, shifted once again, with a very disgruntled young boy in his hands.

"I said let me go, or else!" he threatened.

Yakuzo sneered and lifted the boy higher by the hem of the his brown tunic. He gagged against the weight of the fabric but kept squirming even as Yakuzo taunted, "Or else what? What can you do you little brat?"

The Gallian's joking was cut short by as something hard but dull rapped against the top of his head. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowed, and he looked at Ikyna who had the end of her bow digging into his skull.

"Why?" he asked dispassionately.

"What are you doing?"

"Apprehending a suspicious character." Was his toneless response.

"I'm not suspicious." The boy retorted.

Ikyna blew a heavy breath out of her nose and secured her bow back over shoulder. "Let him go." She said while rolling her eyes.

Yakuzo seemed reluctant; he didn't mind having his captured prey wiggling in his grasp. However Ikyna had her 'no funny business' face pointed at him. Will a growl that was just short of cursing he dropped the boy.

He landed with a thud and a pained moan. Ikyna jabbed Yakuzo once more in the ribs, making her displeasure with his careless handling evident. He shrugged off her ire and moved away from the twin as she knelt by the boy.

Ikyna stuck her hand out to him; he didn't look at her or take her hand as he stood slowly. He rubbed his back like it hurt him more than he wanted to show. Ikyna didn't mind that he'd rejected her gesture; she spent her life around men who had pride in spades. One of them was lurking behind her picking at his fangs.

"What are you doing in this shrine? Are you working for the priests?" Ikyna asked sweetly.

The boy looked up at her and shook his head. Seeing him made Ikyna frown. His dark brown eyes and mahogany hair were familiar. "Hey! I know you!" she said excitedly as she clapped her hands in recognition.

"You're, you're…" she snapped her fingers, grasping for the name.

"Cash." The boy interjected.

"Yeah that's it." Ikyna said beaming as she realized who the boy was. "What are you doing here? I thought you had family you were going to meet. Is your family priests? Where's your sister?"

Chase's eyes grew wide at the bombardment of questions. Ikyna didn't even take a breath between each question. It was Yakuzo who eventually cut her off, "Who is this kid?"

His question made Ikyna pause and she turned and looked at him in disbelief. "He's the boy we saved before we went to the port in Crimea. Him and his sister Pila."

"Oh." Yakuzo said flatly; disinterest written across his forehead. It was clear that he didn't care or remember who the boy was.

Ikyna brushed of the cat's indifference and looked back at Chase. Her eyes peered at him, moving him to respond. Rubbing an elbow he spoke, "We kind of just ended up here." Was his vague response, "But what about you miss Ikyna? What are you doing here?"

Ikyna chuckled oddly, not wanting to delve too deep into the reason why she and the mercenaries were there. There didn't seem to be an easy way to explain that they were there on the word of a man who had betrayed them and may or may not have been leading them into a trap. With a casual shrug she responded, "We came here to check out the shrine."

"You and the mercenaries?" he asked with the beginnings of panic in his voice.

"Yes." Ikyna raised her eyebrow curiously.

"So you're the army that they were talking about?"

At those words it was Yakuzo's turn to join the conversation, "Wait who was talking about an army? How did anyone know we were coming?" he said almost accusingly.

Cash turned white as the moon and started to shake, "You shouldn't be here." He said urgently as he lunged for Ikyna. His small hands grasped at her forearms as he looked at her, wide eyed and afraid, "It's a trap, you have to…"

Suddenly a large crash interrupted the group followed by the sound of screaming and yelling. Yakuzo was quick to take off towards the sound, Ikyna and Cash close behind on his heels. The cat stopped short at the end of the hallway and crouched low, his tail flicking tightly.

Ikyna followed his lead and went to the ground in silence. Cash had less training than the two hardened warriors, "What's going on?" he asked.

Yakuzo spun around and grabbed the boy as he pulled him down to the ground. His hand he clasped tightly over the boys mouth as he shushed him tersely. Cash tensed at the cat's harsh command but didn't fight against the grasp.

The two hidden mercenaries peaked around the wall trying to uncover the cause of the commotion. Ikyna had to muffle a curse as she slowly began to understand what was happening. Her brother and the rest of the mercenaries all had their weapons at the ready but they weren't moving.

Ikyna soon knew why. Across from her friends was a group of scraggly warriors and bandits. They had torn cloths and dirt smeared over their bodies. The most distinct of the group was a large fight with greased back blue hair and a matching goatee. He was clad in leather with fur outlining his shoulders like a trophy.

The man didn't look all that imposing; not someone that she or her brother hadn't faced and beaten before in the war. However he had a slight advantage that was going to be a big problem for Ike and the rest of the group. Each of the enemy fighters were positioned with one of the priests in front of them, their weapons pointed at the peaceful men's throats.

"They've got hostages." Ikyna whispered in disgust.

Yakuzo nodded slowly as he watched his friend ready her bow to fire. They were at an odd angle; she'd have to jump out from their hiding place to get a good shot. That at least gave her the element of surprise though. Ikyna was all about getting the jump on the enemy.

"Cash, do you know where your sister is?"

The boy nodded behind Yakuzo's hand. "Can you get to her?" Another slow nod.

Ikyna was beginning to steady her breathing; preparing her mind and body for the fight, "Yakuzo, help Cash get Pila. And Cash, when you get her, find some place safe and stay there." The warning was heavy in her voice, "Because this shrine is about to become a battlefield."

Happy novel writing November.

-PG