Fjorm felt a warm breeze cross her in the bed. While Nifl seemed to be inhospitable, Fjorm actually enjoyed the cold. This heat, right at the doorstep of the enemy, with the all too familiar stench of ash; she hated all of it. Yesterday didn't help. Ishtar all but confirmed her status as her rival for Kiran's affections, and now everyone seemed to distrust each other just a little more. It certainly made it hard for a girl to get any sleep. After some twenty minutes, constantly shifting in her makeshift cot, Fjorm had enough. Perhaps a walk would clear her head, or maybe she could sneak into the mess tent …
Another hot breeze slashed at her body, and she threw off her light blanket in frustration. Fjorm growled at nothing in particular, hastily putting on some sandals.
"Fjorm?" She heard a meek voice call out from further in the wagon. Fjorm squinted in the dark, making out the small form of Ylgr, peering over her bed. "Where are you going?" The princess approached her younger sister, and smiled.
"I was going to the mess tent, is there anything you would like?" Ylgr almost toppled out of bed.
"I wanna go with!" She garbled out, nearly tripping over herself. "Let's go! Let's go!" Fjorm giggled. Ylgr was still very much a child, despite everything. They walked, hand in hand, attempting to be as silent as possible.
The mess hall itself was nothing special. A makeshift canvas covering with a sloppily put together kitchen underneath. Fjorm had helped with the kitchen earlier in the night, so she remembered roughly where the best stuff was. First counter, second icebox to the left … and there it was.
"Cinnamon Bread!" Ylgr whispered with fervent anticipation. "I didn't see any at dinner tonight!"
"I'm fairly sure Gaius snuck some in on his own." Fjorm pulled out a bread knife and carefully cut a large slice for herself and a large slice for Ylgr. She felt a light tug on her sleeve. "Yes, Ylgr?"
"Could you slice two more slices?"
"I feel like one slice should be-"
"Not for me! One for Princess Veronica, and one for …" Ylgr tapped her head, "Well, I dunno if you know him."
"Him?"
"Yeah, he's the one who got us out of that gross dungeon! He's a little grumpy, but …" Fjorm thought about it for a moment, but sliced the extra two slices anyways. "Thank you, sis!"
"Don't mention it, Ylgr," she replied kindly, "Now where is this man?"
The path Ylgr took led to another large tent. Fjorm hadn't been to this part of camp yet, but she recognized a medical tent when she saw one. There were plenty of empty cots in the tent, an eerie reminder of the ease of this march to this point. Only one cot was occupied, attended by two clerics. The bed itself was wrapped by a large curtain, likely for privacy. Fjorm recognized one of the clerics; it was the young princess of Ylisse. The other seemed to ooze nobility and a proper upbringing, and a little harshness. Lissa noticed the two of them before the other one did.
"Well well!" She exclaimed, "Are you here to see the patient, little Princess?" Ylgr gave Lissa a big hug. "I'll take that as a yes!"
"How's he doing?"
"Yer all givin' me a headache, that's how I'm doing!" A gruff voice called out from the curtain. The other cleric pulled out a parasol and brought it down through the cloth. "Yowch!" the voice exclaimed, "What's the big idea?"
"Such behavior is not welcome in the medical tent," she replied, "Even from a patient." Whatever gaze came from mahogany eyes was enough to quiet the voice down.
"Ignore Maribelle," Lissa said to the two princesses, "He just got up and has been quite the handful."
"Who the hell are you talkin' to?" The voice spoke up again. Maribelle looked in that direction again, and it fell silent.
"Can I see him?" Ylgr whispered, trying her hardest to respect whatever rules were in the tent. Maribelle leaned over and patted the child's head.
"Of course you can, as long as you …?" The lift at the end indicated a question, and Fjorm realized that Ylgr must have gone through this for the day she was in the hospital wing at the fortress.
"As long as I'm polite, I'm not loud and rambunctious, and I listen and respect the authority of the doctors!" Ylgr recited, hands clasped behind her back. Maribelle frowned a bit.
"It is I am, but that will do." She smiled again, and opened the curtain. "Do you need us to leave you three for a moment?" Fjorm nodded.
"Yes, thank you." She replied. The two took their leave, and Fjorm looked over her younger sister's savior. He seemed rough and tumble, scars covering most of his body. The red eyes of Muspell looked over Fjorm once, and settled on the small Ylgr, who was now seated on the side of the bed.
"Well, kid, what the hell do ya want?" He snarled it out, but Fjorm didn't feel any true hostility. His voice was harsh, even more than she initially thought. Fjorm saw all the bandages on him, likely hiding burns, and she grimaced. "Why're you giggling, kid?" Fjorm looked over. Ylgr was laughing and kicking her legs playfully.
"I'm glad you're feeling a little better, Mr. Helbindi!"
"Just a little," he replied, "I went through hell for you, you scamp!" He ruffled Ylgr's hair, but pulled back, wincing in pain. Helbindi turned to Fjorm and glared. "And who're you?"
"Oh! This is my big sis Fjorm!" Fjorm hastily bowed, which earned a chuckle from Helbindi. "We brought you something!" Fjorm handed him a slice of the cinnamon bread, which he carefully sniffed.
"Not poison?"
Ylgr laughed lightly. "No, silly!" She replied, "It's sweet bread for you! Cause you saved me an' that was sweet!"
Helbindi rolled his eyes, "Yer way too soft, kid." He looked at Fjorm, eyes like cinders. "Hey, do you mind if your sister and I have a little talk? I'm sure those nurses didn't go very far."
"Okay!" Ylgr gave Helbindi a light hug, "Just make sure you get some rest!" She looked at Fjorm. "I'll go give Princess Veronica her slice of bread if you want."
"Certainly, but be careful out there." Fjorm warned, handing her the parchment wrapped bread. Ylgr scampered off. Once he was completely sure she was out of earshot, Helbindi began to speak.
"Man, everything hurts like hell still," he complained, "Surtr did a number on me."
"Surtr?" Fjorm was shocked. How had he come face to face with Surtr and ended up still living? "What happened?"
"I managed to get them out of the castle, decided to buy them some time." He groaned, clutching his shoulder. "Maybe got them three minutes? After he left me for dead, that …ugh … Laegjarn came around and gave me a vulnerary."
"The Muspellan general?"
"That's the one, she told me to go protect the kids and gave me her Wyvern to ride. Now here I am, absolutely mangled." Fjorm smiled lightly, and bowed again. "Why the hell are you bowing to me?"
"You saved my sister's life, and I'm forever grateful," she replied, before turning away. "I won't ask you why you did it, I'm sure you had your reasons."
"How polite of you." Helbindi remarked. Fjorm ignored him; she could see the pain on his face, something that didn't come from his burns. A family member, perhaps?
"I'm sorry I don't have much else to say," she continued, "I shouldn't intrude any longer."
Helbindi yawned. "Yeah, I've gotta get my beauty sleep if I'm gonna show up you weaklings in battle," he said in a mocking tone. His face grew stern, and his voice weakened. "Hey."
"Yes?"
"Make sure nothin' happens to your kid sister, okay?" Fjorm didn't look at Helbindi directly. It was painfully obvious who he had lost. She merely nodded, and left the tent. Helbindi stared across the tent, his eyes taking in no information whatsoever. He only came back to reality when he heard the tent flaps open again. A figure, wearing a Askrian white robe, looked him over, and sat next to him. "Who the hell are you?" Helbindi snarled.
"I'm the Summoner of the Order of Heroes," Kiran explained, "My name's Kiran."
"What do you want from me?"
"I have a few questions about the Muspellan border fortress."
Fjorm had noticed Kiran enter the medical tent, but she hesitated to follow him back inside. After all, it wasn't her place to interfere with whatever plans he had with Helbindi. Still, he looked surprisingly rugged in those white robes. She blushed as she thought of him removing his hood, his gaze piercing her heart …
"Are you alright, Princess Fjorm?" The voice was aristocratic and light, yet commanded some power. She recognized it as Prince Alfonse, who was looking at her with a hint of concern. "You look a little red." Fjorm instinctively tried to hide her face. Oh gods, how embarrassing! She thought to herself.
The princess took a quick breath, and recomposed herself. "I'm quite alright, Prince Alfonse," she replied, "I was taking Ylgr around the camp, now I'm just …" What was she going to do? She still couldn't really sleep.
Alfonse waited patiently for her to answer, and when she didn't, he softly spoke. "Would you like to take a walk with me? I couldn't sleep either, with everything going on."
"I don't know how one could sleep," Fjorm replied, "Everything could be over tomorrow!"
Alfonse smiled wryly, "I believe in Kiran and our heroes." They walked through lines of tents, ignoring some of the loud snoring going on around them. As they continued to talk, the night passed by. Fjorm learned about Alfonse's relationship with Kiran, about Sharena; most importantly, she learned more about the prince himself. He and Kiran were actually rather similar. Alfonse was a little more uptight, but they were both a little bookish, and had a wry sense of humor. The prince was also much smarter than he let on; and perhaps that was intentional. Alfonse was quieter than Kiran, surprisingly, and he didn't get swept up in … rather ridiculous situations. Fjorm felt a yawn escape her lips, and saw Alfonse smile at her in response. She blushed again. That was twice now, that he had caught her in an embarrassing situation. "It is quite late," he said, "Perhaps you should finally retire for the evening?"
Fjorm nodded. "That would be quite prudent." She bowed to the prince, "Thank you very much for entertaining me."
"The pleasure was all mine, Princess Fjorm." She turned sharply, and headed back to her tent, not seeing the Prince high-five himself enthusiastically.
She came upon the wagon, and opened the cloth flap carefully. Ylgr and Veronica were fast asleep, crumbs still on the latter princess's gown. Fjorm smiled slightly. To think that this silver-haired child was such a threat to Askr was laughable, but even she could recognize the power she likely wielded. She drifted off to sleep; and her dreams, once of fire, were filled with white cloaks and brave smiles.
"Sis, we're gonna be late!"
Ylgr's high pitched yell shook Fjorm from her slumber. While she felt rested, there was a bit of groggy discomfort. She definitely didn't get the amount of sleep she needed. Apparently Ylgr and Veronica had though, as they were both staring at her, her younger sister shaking her lightly. The princess slowly got up, rubbing her eyes gently.
"Come on!" Ylgr insisted, "We're supposed to be meeting with Prince Alfonse and the others now!"
Fjorm yawned, but got up. While a shower would be nice, she would wash up after the meeting. The dusty road was filled with bustle, as the heroes scrambled to get ready to march. The strategy tent was equally hectic, as the captains of several groups entered to receive orders and left just as quickly. Fjorm entered to a surprisingly silent group. Kiran seemed to not get any sleep either, as he looked rather irritated. Alfonse looked the picture of cool and collected, however.
"Princess Fjorm, Princess Veronica, Princess Ylgr," He announced, "I apologize for having this meeting so early."
"It is no trouble," Fjorm replied quickly, "I'm sorry I took so long to get ready." Veronica stepped forward, looking her standard gloomy self.
"Enough of this," she said quietly, "What plan do you have to get rid of Surtr?" Alfonse had a notable frown as she spoke, and Fjorm could feel the unpleasant tension between the two. While the prince had gone into detail about their war, she hadn't given it much thought about it until now. "I'm waiting, Askrian."
Kiran spoke up. "We have a pressing matter that needs to be attended to first," he said, "We likely have a mole in our midst." Veronica's eyes narrowed. "I'm not accusing you in particular, but we need to be thorough."
Alfonse spoke up, rather harshly, "Logically, it has to be Ylgr." Fjorm's heart sank, and she saw Sharena's eyes open wide. Ylgr grabbed Fjorm's sleeve and huddled closely to her. The princess saw that even Ishtar, that Kiran-stealer, looked concerned. "She knew the summoner's name before we had even told her, back when we first met in Nifl." Veronica stepped in front of the other girl.
"I thought you were dumb, but not this dumb," she said bluntly, "The spy has to be Loki, and she can shapeshift. Why would she stay as one person?" Rudeness aside, Fjorm thought Veronica had a good point. She felt a tug on her sleeve. Ylgr looked worried.
"Did I do something wrong?" Fjorm held her sister tightly.
"No, you didn't, Ylgr." She stated confidently. She glared at Alfonse, and then at Kiran. How could they even think of starting a witch hunt? Now of all times?
"Loki, I think it's time to reveal yourself." Alfonse said coldly. The room was icy cold, and she could feel everyone deciding who they were to side with. The summoner sighed and rubbed his temples.
"You're right, Alfonse," Kiran stated tiredly, "This is taking longer than I thought."
Alfonse looked at the summoner. "... What?" Fjorm heard a tent flap whip open, and almost everyone in the room turned to look. The princess couldn't believe her eyes.
"Prince … Alfonse?" The prince looked like he hadn't slept all night; his hair was disheveled, and his clothes were haphazardly put on. He was panting heavily, and he looked at Kiran.
"I'm sorry, I overslept!" He shouted, before looking at the other Alfonse. "What in the name of..."
Kiran smiled wryly. "Nice of you to join us, friend." He looked at the other Alfonse, who was now smiling as well. "Why don't we cut to the chase, Loki?"
The false prince began to change shape, laughing all the while. The voice growing more feminine with every passing second. Fjorm had seen this before, but it still unnerved her. Before them stood the purple haired Loki, smiling like a child caught doing a harmless prank.
"How did you know?" She asked Kiran.
"Simple," he replied, "I saw Alfonse talking to Princess Fjorm late last night, and we spoke afterwards. I asked him to come late, as I realized something."
She chuckled. "What was that, summoner?"
"We never missed more than one person per meeting, but I always had to repeat everything to two people at any given time." Kiran frowned. "I should've figured that a shape-shifter wouldn't stay as one person for too long, and it was just too tempting to not be the prince, am I correct?" Loki laughed even more.
"Ooooh, you understand me all too well," she replied, "How should I commend you for that?" She began to approach the summoner, only to be cut off by a bolt of lightning flashing past her face. Ishtar was now standing, aiming a finger in the direction of the trickster. Fjorm cursed herself for forgetting her spear.
"Move any closer to him, and you will have to find a new form to transform to." It was matter-of-fact, but still threatening nonetheless. Loki just chuckled again.
"Oh ho, how dangerous," she replied, before turning to Veronica, "And are you so willing to help the Askrians you so hate?"
Veronica pulled out her tome. "Witch, I shall remove your limbs." She said coldly. While vulgar, Fjorm did enjoy the frankness of the other princess.
Loki stepped back. "Well," she said, "I can see I'm not welcomed here. Do have fun on the battlefield, I hope your surprise is well worth it!" And with that, she disappeared in a flash of light. Alfonse looked outside the tent.
"Reinhardt, search the camp with your most trusted men," he ordered, "Make sure nobody is out of place!" Reinhardt nodded, and ran out of the tent.
"I'll assist." Fjorm heard Lyn say, but she focused on the still crying Ylgr. She knelt down and hugged her sister.
"See, everything is okay." She whispered, stroking her sister's hair, "No need to cry." She felt a presence over her shoulder. Kiran was looking over both of them. He bowed to Ylgr.
"Princess Ylgr, I apologize for the stress that must have put you through." He said solemnly, "I know it was quite a bit, and that is unfair to you and not what I intended." Ylgr just nodded, but Fjorm was livid. She stood up, and with all her might slapped Kiran on the cheek. The strike seemed to echo, and everyone was dead silent.
"How dare you use my sister for one of your schemes?" She hissed, "What right do you have, after what she's been through?" Kiran kept his head bowed, and she turned to Alfonse. "And you knew as well? Do you have no shame?" The prince opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out. Fjorm stormed out of the tent, steaming from anger. As she left, Kiran motioned to Alfonse.
"Go on, you have a better chance of calming her down than me." Alfonse was hesitant, but he left to pursue the princess. The summoner turned to the others, his cheek bright red. "Well," he said, "Now that that fun is over, we should begin our plans for invasion." He turned to Veronica and Ylgr, still standing in the tent. "I apologize for asking this of you two, but we really, really need your assistance."
Ylgr sniffed, but nodded. Ishtar, still standing, walked over to the two children. "How about you sit here, with Soren and I?" She gave the summoner an unsure smile, and he smiled back.
"Keep the affection to yourselves, you two." They heard Anna say mockingly. "We have a war to win."
Fjorm found a dusty hill to sit upon. She sat there, hands on her head, attempting not to cry. I am such an idiot. She kept telling herself. How could she have struck Kiran? He certainly couldn't have planned to scare Ylgr like that. That wasn't the kind of person he or Alfonse were. But it was still unfair, after everything that they had been through. She heard someone walk up, dried grass crackling under their feet.
"May I sit here?" It was Alfonse. Fjorm muttered in reply, and heard the prince sit next to her. They stayed quiet for a little while, letting the warm breeze swipe at them. She heard the prince sigh heavily. "I'm sure Kiran feels horrible about what happened. It's my fault that I actually overslept." Fjorm shook her head.
"Neither of you could've expected that Loki would try to pull that." She heard Alfonse shift on the hill. "You didn't, did you?"
"We were thinking she would try to accuse you or Kiran," he finally admitted, "Like I said, I was supposed to get there before any actual accusations were to occur." The prince bowed his head. "I'm so sorry your sister even came to suspicion."
Fjorm sighed. "It's alright," she responded, "I'm sorry I caused such a scene. I should've never struck Kiran like that."
Alfonse laughed. "I'd be more worried about Ishtar than Kiran, if I'm perfectly honest." Fjorm's heart sank a little bit. Of course, that woman, she thought harshly. Fjorm stood up, and faced the prince. She attempted to glare at the prince, but she felt a smile on the corners of her mouth. Alfonse was holding back his own laughter, and he let out a snort.
"What's so funny?" She asked, trying not to laugh on her own. He shook his head.
"It's just, if you and Ishtar had a fight, I think I'd bet on the girl with a giant spear." Fjorm tried to look irritated.
"Are you implying a lack of delicacy on my part?" She pouted, if only to see what the prince would do. He immediately started stammering, and Fjorm finally cracked. Alfonse immediately blushed; her laugh sounded ridiculously melodic. That was seriously unfair. "As Kiran would say, I'm just messing with you, Prince Alfonse!" She slowly reached out her hand, in an attempt to apologize. Alfonse slowly took it. "Should we rejoin the others?" She asked. Fjorm didn't truly want to go, but it was her obligation; even if she had just slapped the hell out of the summoner.
Kiran rubbed his cheek. It still hurt a whole lot. Not to say he didn't deserve it, but it still hurt. The rest of the meeting was actually productive, though. Ylgr and Veronica had more knowledge about the castle than Kiran expected. With the information he got from Helbindi, they actually had a good amount of intel to work with. The summoner reminded himself to thank Laegjarn the next time they met.
"Lady Ishtar, can you fetch Lady Kagero and Sir Gaius?" Kiran asked, "They should take a look at this and see what objections they may have." As Ishtar stood to leave, Robin stood as well.
"If I may be so bold," he interjected, "I'll have an easier time getting Gaius out of the kitchen."
"What about Lady Kagero?" Kiran asked, pointedly. He saw the mischievous look on Robin's face, and he noticed that the other members of the tactical team were quietly making their way out. Aversa put her hands on Ishtar's shoulders and massaged them briefly.
"Oh, don't worry," she said, "I'll retrieve her for the two of you." Her voice oozed with an oil of machination, and both Ishtar and Kiran were unamused. The summoner looked to Anna and Sharena, hopefully they would notice this childish-
"Please cease this torture." Veronica was currently on Sharena's shoulders, as Anna and the princess seemed to be taking the other two away from the tent.
"Aww, you aren't having fun?" Sharena asked, "This used to make Al happy when mom did it …"
"Your brother is an imbecile, as are you!" Veronica nearly shrieked as Sharena booked it to the entrance. "Put me down this instant!" Her protests could be heard throughout the camp. Anna gave Kiran an irritating wink, and an equally irritating smug grin.
"Sorry Kiran, we've really gotta take care of these kids!" Anna groaned, in a clearly fake voice. "It's just so much work!" Before Ylgr could speak up, the commander lightly guided the young princess out of the tent. It was just the summoner and Ishtar now. Kiran sat down in his chair and leaned over, letting out a huge sigh. After about a minute, he felt a hand on his still-stinging cheek.
"I had half a mind to confront that girl over such an insult." Ishtar's voice was unwavering, but the summoner detected a hint of anger. "Does it hurt?"
"Stings a little," Kiran admitted, "But it's nothing serious." The Friegian's face reflected doubt, and Kiran gave her a smile. "It's really alright, Princess Fjorm had all the right to be angry."
"But not the right to strike you." She argued. The summoner didn't answer. He merely looked at the map on the table. Ishtar began to tousle his hair playfully, chuckling all the while. "Well, it was kind of the others to leave us."
Kiran began to sweat. "Why is that?" His voice started to raise in pitch. She began to massage his scalp gently.
"It gives me an opportunity to …" She paused as she leaned towards his ear. " … tease you a bit." Kiran squeaked in surprise as she began to giggle. He pouted, while his face a bright red.
"That's absolutely not fair," he muttered, "What happened to taking it slow?"
Ishtar giggled again, and gave the summoner a hug. "I apologize, Kiran," she replied, "It was just a little too tempting." Kiran felt her breathe out in relief as she slightly tightened her grip. "You're right, it's just exciting, you know?"
"What, the whole 'going to die' thing?" He felt a pinch on his cheek and yelped in protest.
"The whole 'enjoying someone's company' thing." Ishtar replied, glaring at the summoner. "Honestly, do you think I'm even going entertain the notion of you or I dying?"
"I think of all possibilities in war." Kiran protested, before Ishtar let go of his cheek and hugged him again.
"If you want to be a pragmatist, then fine," she muttered, "But I hope you'll allow me to dream a little bigger." Ishtar squeezed him tightly, and he could feel her breath on his neck. He felt himself start to lean over, to look her in the face …
"Sir Kiran, I apologize for -" Fjorm and Alfonse had walked in on the summoner and the Friegian nearly locked in an embrace. Fjorm nearly skidded to a halt, eyes wide with disbelief and embarrassment. Ishtar nearly fell off of Kiran, while the summoner began stammering. " … Did we interrupt something?"
The next two hours passed by in a blur. Kiran could barely keep focus as Robin explained much of the plan to Alfonse, Fjorm, Kagero and Gaius. It was rather simple: There was a small sewage entrance by the kitchen, and Kagero and Gaius were to move through the castle and open the gate as the rest of the heroes engaged on the front lines. It was simple, elegant, and certainly something that those two could handle.
"The only issue I see is that Muspellan princess," Kagero noted, "I know she has assisted us, but it's quite likely that she will willingly fight to the death."
Kiran tapped his chin, carefully thinking over the situation. "Unfortunately, if we reach that impasse, we reach it. I hope she sees it our way, but it's likely Surtr is using her or her sister as leverage."
"Both, most likely," Alphonse muttered, "It is Surtr we're talking about."
The summoner nodded glumly, carefully avoiding Fjorm's face as he looked around. She had a rather threatening expression earlier, and he had made careful note of that. Perhaps she didn't approve of public displays of affection? I mean, Kiran was fairly certain she was into Alfonse, but maybe she still didn't trust Ishtar? It was a mystery for another day.
He looked at Kagero and Gaius, who were both looking over the map of the castle. "What do the two of you think?" Both of them looked at each other.
"It's doable, yeah," Gaius answered, lollipop nearly hanging from his mouth, "The entrance to the sewers being so close to the armory could be a problem."
"But it is possible?"
Gaius snorted, "Who do ya think you're talking to? Of course it's possible!" Kiran nodded.
"Then we'll go with it," he stood up from his seat, "Let's get moving, we have a tyrant to overthrow." Kiran led the procession out; hoping that, maybe, he could fool himself into being the leader this group needed at the moment. He noted that Ishtar waited behind, approaching the Princess Fjorm. While he wanted to overhear them, he felt a powerful pat on his shoulder. Alfonse looked rather proud.
"You're starting to get better at the whole confidence thing," he stated, "As I expected from you!"
"Thanks, Al," Kiran replied, before leaning in towards the prince, "Did Fjorm seem upset to you?" Alfonse raised an eyebrow.
"She and Ishtar keep glaring at each other and you still don't get it?"
The summoner winced. "Well, I figured that maybe she just didn't approve of a public romance right now?"
Alphonse stared off into the distance in shock, and said nothing. Kiran swore the prince shook his head, but decided it was nothing. He looked back at Ishtar and Fjorm, but they had already gone off their own way. The summoner hoped that the two were at least being civil.
Fjorm was infuriated. Who was this woman, and what did she think she was doing? Sure, they had both been around Askr for about the same amount of time, but it wasn't like Kiran had saved her life or anything.
Had he? Fjorm was now feeling anxiety creep up in her chest. Perhaps while she was recovering from her injuries, Ishtar had swept in and seduced the summoner. She felt a hand on her back, and she swung around, glaring down the Friegian.
"The caravan is about to leave, and you looked rather … distracted." Ishtar offered, her voice also reflecting the tension in the air.
"You wanted to speak to me?" Fjorm croaked out. Her voice betrayed her, shattering whatever cold exterior she had left. She could tell the sorceress noticed the same thing.
"I … did," Ishtar replied, "But perhaps another time would be more appropriate." She moved towards the princess. "More importantly, are you alright? You look quite perturbed."
Fjorm shook her head. She wanted to stay silent, but she felt her emotions overflow. "Of course I'm not alright," She hissed, "What in the gods did I walk in on? What were you doing to him?" Ishtar's eyes flashed dangerously for a moment, but all she did was frown.
"What did it look like?" She asked, daring Fjorm to continue. Both princesses stared each other down, but eventually Fjorm relented. She felt some tears drop down her face, and Ishtar understood immediately. "Oh, you poor-"
"Don't you pity me, of all people!" Fjorm growled, clenching her fists. "If you understood, you never would have pursued such a relationship with him!"
"So what, you could strike him when you felt like it?" Ishtar saw Fjorm recoil from that. Ishtar took a deep breath; nothing was going to be solved by being harsh and mean. " … That was underhanded and cruel to say, I apologize." Fjorm shook her head, and didn't reply. Ishtar closed her eyes, and continued, "I would never have promised to stay out of your way, even if we were close friends. Kiran makes me happy, happier than I could have ever imagined." She tried to look as empathetic as possible, "Perhaps you even like him for the same reasons that I did, Princess Fjorm; but we've spent time together, and I have no desire to give him up." She heard Fjorm hiccup, and saw more tears water the dirt below. Ishtar noticed that the tears seemed to freeze as they hit the ground.
"But I love him more -"
"Do you even know what he likes? What his favorite food is? Where he likes to spend time? Anything? Or is the idea of a knight in shining armor coming to save you so appealing that you will grasp at anyone that might care for you?" She felt her temper starting to get the best of her. There was a crackle of electricity, and Fjorm looked up. "And then to insinuate that my feelings are not valid?" There was another hiccup, and the electricity dissipated. Fjorm had collasped onto her knees, kneeling before the Friegian. Ishtar was to her side immediately, placing a hand on her shoulder. Fjorm's body heaved.
"It's not fair!" She cried out, "After everything I've lost, I don't even get this?!" Ishtar hugged the princess, and after a moment, she reciprocated.
Ishtar rubbed Fjorm's back. "You are plenty loved, Princess of Nifl," she whispered, "I will not apologize for being happy, but I am not your enemy."
"I-" Fjorm hesitated, "I'm sorry, Lady Ishtar." She fought past her tears. "It's just … it's another thing, if you understand that."
"Yes, but we all have the blessing of being able to fall in love multiple times," Ishtar replied, "You are quite beautiful, and I have no doubt you will find your knight in good time."
"And if I don't?"
Ishtar's eyes flashed again. "I'm always up for a deathmatch." She suggested coyly. Fjorm shook her head.
"I doubt Kiran would appreciate that." She replied. The princess was still crying, but perhaps the harsh words of Ishtar were correct. All she knew of Kiran was that he rescued her and that he was a kind person. Ishtar clearly had spent more time with the summoner, and perhaps that was meant to be. "Please don't break his heart." She said meekly. Ishtar raised an eyebrow.
"I have no intention of doing so." As she spoke, the call of the war horn echoed down the wagon line. "Come, we shouldn't make everyone worry."
Fjorm followed the sorceress, and she noticed how her lavender hair sparkled in the sunrise. Fjorm sighed. She had definitively lost; but, despite that, she didn't feel completely broken down. Now, more determination filled her. "Iwon't give him up, not yet." She announced confidently. Ishtar smiled and shook her head.
"I had not figured you to be the stubborn type," she replied, "But fine. I will not give Kiran up easily." Fjorm chased after Ishtar, laughing all the way.
"Yer gonna do what?"
"Infiltration, Nephenee," Kagero stated mutely, "I do this sort of thing all the time."
"With idiots like Gaius?!" Nephenee protested, "At least lemme come with!"
"Kiran needs you on the front lines, you know this." She was wondering if this would happen. Nephenee was quite possessive of Kagero, and a little bit of a worrywart. "Gaius and I will be fine. He's eccentric, but a professional through and through."
Nephenee pulled a strand of aqua hair from her face. "Okay, I'm gonna trust yer judgement."
"Just like that? You are rather easy to please."
"Well, we've been marching for a few hours, mebbe I'm just tuckered out." Nephenee leaned into Kagero, trying to hide her face. "I probably need a couplea' winks of sleep." Kagero stroked the halberdier's hair.
"I spoil you rotten, you know that?" Nephenee just hummed in response. "I'm going to paint a portrait of you when I get back." The halberdier blushed, and tried to hide her face in her hands.
"Ah, that'd be real embarrassin', y'know …"
"Almost as embarrassing as the bouquet you've been making me." Kagero replied. Nephenee looked up at the ninja's face, pouting. "Did you mean for it to be a secret? You know I'm bad with those."
"I figured you knew," Nephenee admitted, "But would it kill ya to try to be surprised?" Kagero smirked at this.
"Spoiled to the end." She mumbled to herself. The back flap of the wagon pulled open, and the wide grin of Gaius met both of them.
"Yo Bangs and Shellhead," he said flippantly, "How're you two doing?"
"Better before you showed up …" Nephenee muttered.
"Aw, c'mon Shellhead!" Gaius replied, "Sorry about interrupted your alone time, but I needed to talk to Bangs."
"About what?" Kagero was blunt, but Gaius ignored the irritation in her voice as well.
"So, to put it simply, somebody ate some of my special cinnamon bread." Nephenee and Kagero looked at the thief with judgmental gazes that pierced him. "Hey! My gal baked that bread special for me! And I need that bread to work at my best!"
"Are you suggesting that we bake for you?" Kagero asked.
"No! No!" Gaius shook his head. "I'm just saying that I might need to take a detour into the kitchens and pick up something to … sweeten the deal, you know what I'm saying?"
"And potentially endanger the mission?"
"No, I'm a professional, Bangs!" Gaius insisted, "If I can't do it, I won't! I'm just lettin' you know!" And with that, he was off of the wagon. Nephenee looked up at Kagero.
"A professional, huh?" Was all she said.
It had taken nearly half a day, but the fortress that held the Muspellan Army loomed under them. While not literally on fire, the heroes could feel an unnatural heat overtake them. Kiran looked over a hillside, which the caravan was using for cover. It was strange. There were no wyvern patrols, and very few men actually moving around the castle.
"Are we even sure they're home?" Sharena eventually asked, saying what everyone else was thinking.
"This heat is a product of Surtr," Fjorm replied, "Even if the army is elsewhere, he is here."
"His sacrificial cauldron is here, at the very least," Veronica stated, "I shall remove it from existence."
"Nobody is doing anything until we open those front gates," Kiran retorted, "And even with this lax security, there's still enough to make this difficult." He bit his lip. "We need a large distraction."
"If you need a distraction, I'm about as large as it gets." The haughty voice came from a few feet away. Robin, Cordelia, and Aversa were escorting the smirking Grima, who attempted to look down at the summoner. "But I will need you to beg for my assistance."
Kiran thought about it for a moment. "How large of a distraction are we talking about here?"
"Everyone will be focused on me." She replied, brimming with confidence. "Just you watch! I have been practicing with the children!" Grima started floating down the hill, towards the barren field that stood in front of the main gate.
"Wasn't I supposed to beg or something?" Kiran asked. "Oh well, I guess we're going with the plan right now!" He turned to Alfonse, "Gather the army and prep them to join Grima on the field! I'll go get Gaius and Kagero, and start our master plan!" The prince nodded, and nearly sprinted towards the wagons.
That was when they heard a booming voice echo from across the plain.
"Excuse me, wretched humans! I would like to discuss with you the word of Grima!"
Kiran did a double take. "Is she … soliciting? She's not going to attack them or anything?"
"I fear that your puny mind does not understand! Grima is the answer to everything, and I would love to talk about it in gruesome detail!"
Kiran's mouth stayed open, in complete shock. "We're all going to die." He said with muted simplicity. "I can't believe it." Alfonse came up from behind.
"Everyone is getting ready to charge in," He said, "and Kagero and Gaius are now making their way towards the castle." The prince looked over the hill. "... What is Grima doing?"
"Guaranteeing our failure?" Kiran replied, his voice raising in pitch with every word. "It's really hard to tell."
"What do you mean, you don't believe in a higher power? Come down here, and I'll show you a higher power!"
The smell of the sewers were not missed by Gaius in the least. After joining the Shepherds, marrying Cherche, and dealing with a ragamuffin in Gerome, he had gotten used to some more pleasant smells. Baked bread, sugary syrup, wyvern droppings … lots of blood, for some reason. "Yeah, let's focus on those smells for now."
"Do you have to mumble like that?" Kagero asked, "You're increasing our chances of getting caught in here."
"What? With that crazed psuedo-Robin yelling out there? I think we're safe." Grima had been bellowing for some ten minutes at that point, more than enough time to distract the guards for the duo to sneak in. It took them some five minutes at that point, but the two finally reached a trapdoor, leading to an unknown destination. Kagero listened carefully. She could hear Grima's roaring voice, and could hear muffled laughter. But it seemed to be more than a room away. She opened the door, slightly, and looked around. It was a small closet, likely built to house such a undesirable entrance. Kagero climbed out, and motioned for Gaius to follow. She could hear motion on the other side of the wall, but now Kagero was in her element. The ninja kept to the shadows, only slightly jarring the door. Nobody was around to hear it move, and she slid out of the entrance into a large hallway.
The fortress itself was unimpressive in size. It's location on the Muspell/Askr border was likely the sole value of the building. But there were tall ceilings in the hallways, and large rafters keeping them up. Kagero and Gaius found their way up to the large wooden beams, and became one with them. They came upon the main gate, which was surrounded by soldiers jeering at Grima from the walls.
"Hey, what kind of benefits do we get if we join the church of Grima?"
"The promise of a painless death, and dental care!"
"Wow, I'm absolutely sold on that!" Cackling could be heard in response, and several of the soldiers high-fived each other. Kagero noted that the gate itself was tied to a rope pully system. One that could be opened with just a single well-place dagger …
She realized that Gaius was no longer with her, and turned her head. The thief was moving down the hallway, seemingly in a trance. It was then that she caught the scent of cinnamon and sugar.
"Oh no." She muttered to herself.
"How 'bout you give a sermon?" another voice called out mockingly.
Kagero could almost hear the possessed Robin roll up her sleeves. "Alright, worms; if that is what you wish, you shall have it!" The ninja moved forward, catching the sight of the orange haired thief, gazing longingly downwards. Kagero froze as she saw what he was looking at. A tray of delightful looking cinnamon rolls were almost twenty feet away, just within grasp of the thief. The problem was that the tray was being held by Laegjarn, who was knocking at a door cautiously. There was a small archway that led to the next room over, and Kagero sighed as Gaius slinked through it. Of course, she thought, Nephenee was right.
"Laegjarn." Laevatain was surprised to see her sister, especially with an enemy at the gates. "Why are you here?" Her expression didn't change as she saw the cinnamon rolls, but Laevatain felt a brief moment of excitement. "Are those for me?"
"Yes, Laevatain," Laegjarn replied, smiling, "I made your favorite breakfast!" She placed the platter on a sidetable near a makeshift bed. "I hope it's to your liking."
The younger sister reached out and grabbed a bun, biting into it with no emotion. After a few seconds of chewing, she turned to Laegjarn. "Could I have some milk, please?"
"Of course, Laevatain." The general bowed, and left the room. Laevatain took another bite of the cinnamon roll.
"Mmmm, it's gooey." She went to grab another roll, when she noticed something. Laevatain was extraordinarily observant when it came to the food that Laegjarn gave her, and she knew she had been given 7 rolls exactly. 6 rolls surrounding a center roll; and Laevatain knew that the center roll was the gooiest, bestest roll in the whole tray. And Laegjarn would always put a little extra glaze on the center cinnamon roll. Laevatain always saved the center roll for last, but it was missing. Did Laegjarn mess it up? That was doubtful. She turned her head towards a scuttling sound above her. An orange haired man was crawling up the wall, bun in his mouth. As she reached for her sword, she saw a foot kick it away; a knife reached her throat moments later.
"Tanks fer da save, Dangs." The bun thief called out from above, talking through a full mouth.
"This is absurd," the woman behind Laevatain replied, "All of this trouble for a sweet bread?"
"Laegjarn's cinnamon buns are one of Muspell's treasures," Laevatain replied coldly, "And he took the best bun of the batch."
"Ish soooo gooey." Gaius's face was radiating with joy, and he gave Laevatain a smug grin. "Shooooo goood!"
"Give me that bun back." Laevatain demanded. Kagero tightened her grip on the princess, but glared at the thief.
"We could have completed the mission by now, you imbecile!"
"But it smelled soooo good! C'mon Bangs, gimme a break!"
"You should hope that Cherche is as forgiving as I am." Kagero replied harshly. "I am very sorry for my counterpart's impolite behavior."
"He has my cinnamon roll," Laevatain replied, "I will not accept any apologies." She felt the ninja sigh behind her. It was then that Laegjarn walked in, milk in hand.
"Laevatain?!" Laegjarn cried out, spilling the milk on the ground. "Who are you two?" Laevatain attempted to use the distraction to fight Kagero, who just latched on harder. Kagero looked at Gaius, and glared.
"You idiot, go complete the mission!" She screamed. Laegjarn had now unsheathed her sword, and was slowly approaching the two struggling women. Gaius looked back and forth, and bit his lip.
"Wait!" He shouted at Laegjarn, "We've been sent here by Kiran to retrieve both of you!"
Laegjarn stopped, and stared at the thief. " … Kiran sent you?" She asked.
Gaius paused. Maybe this could actually work. "Yeah! He was afraid that Surtr would use both of you as hostages; plus, y'know, either of you would be much better rulers than him." He winced as he said that. "No offense meant."
Laevatain tried to pry Kagero off of her. "Don't trust him, he's a bun thief."
"Oh yeah, those rolls you made? Top notch stuff, sister." Gaius winked. "C'mon, if you guys stay here, your dad will definitely kill you, right?"
Laegjarn looked between her sister, and the orange haired rogue. She scowled and sheathed her sword. "Laevatain, we're going."
" … What?"
"Father wishes for one of us to use the Rite of Flame," Laegjarn explained, "I planned on giving my life for you." Laevatain's eyes widened.
"Sister … no … You can't!" She replied. Her sister smiled.
"Neither of have to now, Laevatain! We have a way out!" Kagero let go of the princess, who lifted herself off the bed. Laegjarn grabbed her hands, and squeezed them tightly. "We need to go with them, they'll get us to safety."
Laevatain looked at her older sister. "But we would be betraying father …"
Laegjarn gazed upon Laevatain sadly. "I'm sorry, sister; I haven't allowed you a choice." She knelt in front of her. "What would like to do?"
"I … I don't know," Laevatain replied, "What should I d-" There was a thud, and the younger princess passed out. Kagero stood behind her, and looked at Laegjarn.
"We are out of time," she stated, "I will apologize to her properly when she awakes." Kagero reached her hand out to Laegjarn. "Come, we will make sure both of you are safe."
Laegjarn frowned, but took the ninja's hand. "I will expect that apology the moment she wakes up." She replied. Kagero nodded.
"Gaius, take the younger one, and leave the rolls." She ordered.
"Right, Bangs," he replied, "Just … don't tell Cherche?"
"And Grima shouted 'Perish!' and they perished, and it was good!"
Grima had been yelling for some forty-five minutes at this point, and the rest of the army was bordering on impressed. Many of the heroes stood by the hill she had perched herself upon, and were cheering her on. Kiran looked at them, at a safe distance.
"I hope I don't sound like that." Robin remarked, passing by the summoner.
"I wouldn't worry," Cordelia replied, "I doubt your voice would last that long."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, honey."
Kiran was a little worried. The estimated time that Kagero had given him was some thirty minutes, and she seemed pretty confident about that. Plus, Grima was already running out of things to say.
"Hey!" There was another call from the castle, "If you're so powerful, why don't you open these gates?" Kiran could hear the laughter from inside the fortress, and groaned. They didn't have the manpower to actively siege. They needed to have the upper hand, which they likely didn't have anymore.
"Alright, you want to play that game?" Grima's voice boomed across the field, "I shall rip the gate from it's very foundation! Watch, you weak insects!" As she moved her hands, Kiran noticed that the gate seemed to actually shudder.
The wood and iron gate flung open, much to the horror of the Muspellans. Grima looked at her hands in shock, and then she smiled widely. The fell dragon began to cackle wildly, and flung herself towards the gate. Four other immense dragons seemed to materialize and follow her towards the gate.
"I guess we're just going in with no plans at all," Kiran noted, "Just super."
Despite his earlier complaint, it took nearly no time at all for the manaketes to take the main gate of the fortress. Kiran had instructed that killing be the last resort; and while most of the heroes followed that order, some were not so good at it.
"Milady, the summoner did ask for you to show restraint." Reinhardt looked nervous, as he pulled Grima away from a smoldering room.
"Unhand me, you gigantic weakling!" She insisted, "They insulted Grima at their own peril, and they will understand the fear that a god can bring!"
"I don't think they will understand much as skeletons..."
"Reinhardt!" Kiran called out, "Where is the royal family?"
Reinhardt turned around and bowed quickly. Grima scoffed, and turned away. "Sir Kiran, Alfonse and Fjorm have taken a small contingent of heroes and moved towards the main objective. Princess Sharena has reconvened with Kagero and Gaius, and Commander Anna is securing the rest of the fortress with our army." Kiran's lips tightened. Of course Alfonse and Fjorm ran off before everyone could gather up, they were both impulsive in battle.
"Who are they with?" The summoner asked. Reinhardt gave him a dark look, and Kiran said nothing more. "You two are with me," He ordered, "We need to give chase!"
Ishtar looked around her. Tharja, Ike, Ophelia, Henry, Hector, Oboro, Nina and Nephenee all followed the quartet of Alfonse, Fjorm, Ylgr and Veronica. Ishtar felt nervous. They were hardly suited for close-quarters combat, it was just the group that Alfonse gathered together to follow Fjorm, who had ran off earlier.
"Why is she here, Prince Alfonse?" Fjorm asked, making no attempts to hide who she was talking about.
"Peace, Princess Fjorm," Ishtar replied, "I am here to help finish this war, just as you are."
The group continued down abandoned hallway after abandoned hallway. The lack of life was off-putting, to say the least. The sounds of flickering flames began to echo down the halls, and Alfonse felt a shiver down his spine.
Ophelia shuddered, "This place emanates darkness through every sinister piece of -"
"Yeah, it gives me the creeps too," Nina replied quickly, "But we need to keep quiet."
Henry giggled. "I actually like it," he said, "Needs a few skulls, that would really bring the room together."
As he spoke this, the group came upon a large chamber, with an immense cauldron looming over them. It was not just the cauldron that dwarfed them, but the man standing next to it. Ishtar had caught a glimpse of Surtr once before, but she was still in awe of the giant that looked at them menacingly.
"Boy, you have a good idea," He called out, "Perhaps I should decorate this room with your heads, as a memorial." The Muspellan king stood from his throne, and pulled out his gigantic axe, Sinmara. The flames seemed to spurt out of the weapon like a waterspout. "Come, face me and die."
This chapter has been kind of a pain. I was never happy with it, and with some heavy and tough personal biz in the past month, I wasn't feeling very confident or motivated about writing. If I didn't get support from author RecursiveLogic, I doubt I would've ever finished this chapter. So big thanks to him, because he kept me honest about my writing, and also helped me brainstorm some character interactions.
Also big thanks to all of you reading this story! I hope you enjoy this chapter, and thank you all for your patience. I know it's not always easy to wait for a month and a half for a chapter, so thank you.
As always: comments, critiques, questions, and concerns are loved and appreciated! Thank you all for reading!