"So… tell me, Ishtar,"

Ishtar scowled. The music had just begun and Arvis had no interest in pleasantries, apparently. It would be easier if she could just avoid the conversation all together; Askr's castle was large enough to hide in for, say, the rest of her life. "Hmm?" The thunder mage asked with a purposefully innocent voice, "Where shall we start, Lord Arvis?"

Arvis squinted. "The act might work on others, but you know better with me," He said in a surprisingly cold voice, "You and I both know why I wish to speak to you."

Ishtar gulped. "Yes. I suppose you have known for a time, correct?"

"Your relationship with the summoner? For a few weeks, yes."

Ishtar closed her eyes in defeat. "You have been gathering intelligence, I assume."

The Emperor nodded, "I do attempt to keep up with the gossip in the castle, yes," he replied, "But I did happen to see you weeping over him in Muspell; you have not exactly been subtle about your feelings, you should know."

Ishtar winced. She spun around and they continued their dance.. "Lord Arvis, there is a completely reasonable explanation for this." Arvis lifted a single finger, silencing the Friegian.

"Before you 'explain yourself'," Arvis raised an eyebrow. "I feel like you misunderstand me, child." He let Ishtar take in his words before he continued. "I am not angry in any way, shape, or form."

Ishtar raised her own eyebrow. "I beg your pardon, Lord Arvis, but I find that extraordinarily unlikely."

"You avoiding me at every possible opportunity does suggest that you believe so," The Emperor replied, "Though the question does remain: Why would you assume such a thing?"

"That would be the logical conclusion, my lord." Ishtar replied bluntly, "Lord Julius is your son."

Arvis barked out a laugh. "Yes, that is true. If we were still in Grannvale, I would have preferred - no, demanded - you go a more official route, if only for both of our families to save some face." He muttered, "But not only is it irrelevant here, I personally believe it is a good turn of fortune that you have chosen not to pine for him anymore. What is left of him, I should say."

Ishtar gasped. "Julius is your own son, my lord!" She whispered. Arvis glared.

"He… I let him become a monster, a being only fulfilled and satisfied through cruelty and slaughter." Ishtar's throat went dry. "If, and I say if," He said bluntly, "If I had prevented Julius from becoming… what he has, I would be quite irate at your actions." Ishtar frowned. He seemed quite upset anyways. Arvis sighed. "But that is my own failure. The Julius you were engaged to was a different boy to the one you and I left, even if we both desperately wished for a different outcome."

Ishtar nodded sadly. "Yes…" She thought back to how much he had changed in such a short time with the book. How twisted he had become, and how readily she had followed him despite knowing how cruel it was. Ishtar bit her lip in anger.

"I will take that failure to my grave," Arvis continued, "as, I imagine, you will yours.

Ishtar sighed. "I live it every day, my lord," she responded, "I had willfully kept myself in denial for years, hoping that these changes had some sort of logic to them."

"That perhaps you could bring him back from the void." Arvis' tone was not mocking, but rather a croak of sadness and regret. "Perhaps with the right words, that thing would become your fiancée… could become my son again?"

"… Yes."

Arvis paused for a moment, letting the music drown out the pain both of them felt. "Both of us have done horrible things. For country, for ourselves, for love." He finally said, "In a way, you turned out to be the most like me, and you aren't even related by blood." He chuckled at that.

Ishtar didn't find it as endearing. "What a flattering sentiment," She stated, before asking in a whisper, "I had given up on a second chance, on redemption; but is it wrong for me to be happy?". Arvis thought for a minute, before replying.

"No, I don't think it is," he said, "And you wouldn't be able to start anew with the chains of a previous love binding you."

Ishtar held her tongue. She had heard some rumors about the Emperor from her mother. "If you do not disapprove, then why do you seem so bothered about the summoner and I?"

Arvis smiled. "Does he make you happy? I can tell he's at least relatively smart, and despite his odd verbiage, he is a man I have come to respect. But does he make you happy?" Ishtar didn't respond initially. "If he does, he deserves you. But if he doesn't, there will always be a weight on your heart, clouding your judgment."

"And why are you telling me this?" Ishtar asked, "I am not your daughter, and therefore not your responsibility."

Arvis bowed as the song ended. "Pardons, my lady. I still view you as a daughter of the Grannvale Empire, and wanted to share the wisdom of a failed man."

Ishtar curtseyed in response. "I… shall consider your words. But Kiran does make me happy, I'll have you know."

The Emperor smiled. "Consider this my blessing, for what that is worth."

Ishtar took a moment to collect herself. At these events, this would usually be the time her mother got wine-drunk and sulked in the corner. And to be quite honest, Ishtar was beginning to see the appeal. "His blessing," she muttered, "What good is that for my heart?"

"Lady Edelgard, I don't think dancing is a requirement for this event, if you wish to make your leave?"

Edelgard gave Hubert a smug grin. "Hubert, if you want to leave, all you have to do is ask. I feel very refreshed and ready for some dancing, myself."

Hubert crossed his arms and huffed in frustration, which caused the Empress to chuckle. She hadn't seen Hubert this annoyed in ages, and it was always moderately entertaining. Edelgard eyed the hall, looking for a suitable dance partner. Hilda… definitely not, and she was bothering that poor Marianne anyways. Lysithea had already run off with Lute and Sanaki, which had garnered the attention of Shamir; this was probably the best time to gather information. But from who?

"What are you searching for, Lady Edelgard?" Hubert finally asked.

"A dance partner," came the simple reply, "Perhaps someone with a little more knowledge of Askr than we can find in our everyday investigating." Ike and Soren were already dancing, as were Hector and his wife Lyndis…

"Staring at the couples will not make any of them separate, Lady Edelgard." The empress bristled at Hubert's deadpan teasing.

"Hmmm? A dance partner, you say?" A sweet voice asked from behind them. Camilla was still seated at the table, finishing her glass of wine. "I don't mean to impose on you, of course, but I wouldn't mind a dance."

Hubert tried to intercept this critical danger to the Empress. All of his work had led him to make a list of people to avoid if possible amongst the heroes. Camilla was near the top of the list.

"That sounds wonderful!" Edelgard replied, "Surely someone of your status and knowledge could tell me more about Askr as well?" Hubert's words withered in his throat, "Hubert, I would suggest trying to enjoy yourself a little tonight." Edelgard said with a wink, before walking into the crowd with the Nohrian Princess.

Hubert closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. Coffee; he needed coffee.

Edelgard was quite aware of Hubert's aversion to Camilla. After all, he had recited all of the names of people he thought were threats to her multiple times. But there comes a time in life where you have to take a calculated risk. All of her research suggested that Camilla was not dangerous unless you crossed her, so Edelgard was certainly not at risk. "I apologize for Hubert's behavior," she said, "He does tend to overreact to anyone he perceives as dangerous."

Camilla gave Edelgard an innocent frown, "Ah? Does he consider me dangerous? I can't say I blame him for worrying- my two retainers are always fretting over me as well."

Edelgard felt herself being led around the dance floor. Camilla had more than an average ability in dance, and her strength was somehow more noticeable than in the training grounds. "As much as I appreciate his efforts, his worrying can make me uneasy from time to time."

"I find it adorable, to be quite honest," Camilla stated, "Selena and Beruka are both very sweet as you get to know them." Edelgard thought back to earlier in the night; that silver haired girl that made Hubert look conversational seemed like someone Camilla would find adorable.

Edelgard decided to take a risk. "The one I've met does seem like someone you would find adorable."

"Ahaha." Camilla's laugh was dry, yet genuine. Edelgard heard that same laugh from her father, the laugh of someone who had lost more than they would admit, who felt a burden they didn't need to bear. "Such a backhanded compliment, my dear." She twirled Edelgard around then closed in on her. "Insult me if you wish, but I won't suffer another insult towards my retainers, hmmm?"

Edelgard nodded. "Forgive me, it was a poor attempt at a joke."

"Well, you aren't completely wrong, Miss Edelgard," Camilla replied, "I am rather enamored by the way my two dears fight, but I also just enjoy their company." She gave the Empress a little smile. "Besides, you were gauging how I would react to such a statement, correct?"

"Well…"

"No need to play coy with me, dear," Camilla offered, "I would be a poor leader if I didn't try to get information in any way possible. Speaking of," she pulled Edelgard in even closer, "You wanted to know more about Askr, correct?"

Edelgard tried to focus. Camilla was wearing a flowery perfume, and being this close reminded her of… she shook her head. She recognized a power play when she saw one, and the Nohrian was definitely attempting to control the conversation by keeping her off-balance. "Yes! I had some questions!" She nearly shouted, before composing herself. Camilla tilted her head and laughed again.

"Ahahaha, you might be more entertaining than Selena," she stated, "Very well. I'll give you what answers I can."

Severa was attempting to avoid Lady Camilla's gaze as she and Lucina danced around the floor, but it was proving to be difficult. The Nohrian princess was dancing with that strange Edelgard character, and kept giving Severa winks every time they locked glances.

"You seem distracted, Sev," Lucina noted, "Is it my perfume? I knew I put on too much, but I was really nervous…"

"Not at all!" Severa exclaimed, "You smell uh, amazing! Gods, that's a weird thing to say, huh?" She laughed nervously, "No, it's just… Lady Camilla keeps looking over here."

Lucina tried to look over her shoulder to find the culprit, but Severa swung around to block her view. "Is that so bad? She didn't seem like a bad person…"

Severa winced. "She isn't!" She proclaimed, "She's a great leader and all… She just tends to be a little possessive."

"Is that why you changed your name?" Lucina whispered. Severa looked stunned, she never actually revealed that she had altered her name. Did Owain or Inigo rat her out, maybe- "Sev, Camilla calls you 'Selena', did you really think I wouldn't figure it out?"

"Oh, right." Severa paused. She supposed that the necessity of keeping her identity secret was long gone, anyways. Still, she was a little upset she didn't tell Lucy herself… She decided to change the subject. "I gotta say, you're a much better dancer than me."

"Modesty?" Lucina asked mockingly, "From Severa? I may faint from the shock!" Severa pursed her lips in frustration, before feeling herself get swept off her feet and feeling lips upon her own. Lucina gave her an expression of satisfaction. "I'll take that as an invitation," Lucina said in a low, sultry voice, "A just reward for finally matching your sharp tongue, Severa." She leaned in closer and whispered into Severa's now red ear. "And I've been practicing dancing for quite awhile. My feet are killing me."

Severa's face matched her crimson hair. "Well, um… uh… we could always take a break?" She managed to grunt out. Lucina had tasted like summer, and Severa was beating herself internally to try and parse out what that even meant. "I mean, uh, nice lips." Severa cursed herself.

Lucina laughed. "I really did render you speechless!" She lifted Severa up. "Could we perhaps finish this dance, then we can continue our conversation?" Severa nodded numbly, before being swept up again. The Princess of Ylisse caught sight of Lady Camilla. She had her head tilted, with a puzzled expression on her face.

Claude had already schmoozed around for two dance numbers, and was he ever entertained. The younger princess of Muspell had been easy to rile up, and Princess Sharena was a delight as always. The only things he really missed were the mortal dangers. The sense of intrigue when you weren't sure if your next dance might incite a wave of assassins, or perhaps a not so subtle offer of a drink…

"Ah, who am I kidding." Claude muttered to himself. This was the first ball in awhile where he was actually having fun, and he was still looking for shadows at every opportunity. "Face it, Claude, you were never meant to be in-" He trailed off. It's not like he asked to be in such a precarious position back home, and at least it wasn't as bad as Prince Dimitri or Princess.

"Be in what?" An inquisitive voice called out over his ear. A girl with messy green hair and a sunny disposition stood next to him. Even from a casual look Claude could tell this girl was an athlete, or perhaps a dancer? "If you keep mumbling to yourself, people are going to think you're crazy, you know."

Claude chuckled. "Who's to say I'm not, miss-?"

"I'm Lene," she offered her hand, "and you are?"

"Uh, Claude!" He took Lene's hand, and they began to dance. "Miss Lene, you're well practiced in dancing, aren't you?" Her movements were so efficient, but she still radiated wild passion with every practiced move.

Lene giggled, "What gave it away? My less than noble attire or the fact that I'm leading us?"

Claude blinked. She was leading them, so subtly that Claude hadn't even noticed it. This Lene was good. "I would say the latter, but I didn't actually notice," he admitted, "You look the part, I guess."

She huffed in disapproval. "Just like a man!" Lene scoffed, "Just looking at the surface!" She twirled around him as Claude limply guided her along. "Well, I wouldn't have asked to dance if I didn't find you interesting, I suppose."

It was Claude's turn to go on the attack. "Oh? What guided you my way? Perhaps my charm? My good looks? My devilish wit?"

Lene pondered this question. "You have familiar eyes to someone I care for, I guess." She finally stated. "And you present yourself like a man who has quite a few enemies."

"Ouch." Only Judith was usually that direct with him.

"Oh! I don't mean it as an insult," Lene insisted, "I just… I kinda know the feeling?"

"You know the feeling," Claude repeated, "No offense meant, but you don't seem the type to have people trying to assassinate you."

"Well, yes," Lene frowned, "I'm not exactly a political prize. But you keep looking over your shoulder, which isn't all that unfamiliar for me," she continued, "When you have to work around the gazes of disgusting, leery men all the time, you start to see shadows in the corners of rooms. I'm sure you understand that much!"

"Oh, I'm sorry…" Lene waved Claude off.

"No need to say 'sorry' or pity me!" She replied, "I don't pity myself, you know? I personally think it's admirable to continue down a hard road. And the fact that you keep on moving forward in spite of your fear is admirable!"

Claude smirked. "Who says I'm afraid?" He shot back, "Between you and me, I love a good prank, a scheme or two; so maybe I'm just looking for the right opportunity to start some political intrigue?"

Lene shrugged. "Somehow, I doubt it," she stated, "You do seem like the person to get into some mischief, but I don't think you would just cause trouble for no reason."

"Fair enough." The two danced in silence for a bit, before Claude spoke again. "Do you… ever want to quit? Dancing, I mean."

"No, I don't think so… I've always loved dancing," Lene replied, "and even in my worst moments, dancing is what kept me going."

Claude chuckled, "Well, dancing isn't exactly a passion of mine, unfortunately." Lene rolled her eyes. "I've spent a good portion of my life hiding who I am, where I'm from, because people don't view me quite the same if they learn." He paused to let it sink in, "One day I would love to build a world where people like me aren't judged by where they're from or what they do, but it seems like an impossible dream."

Lene sighed. "It is a beautiful dream. And you really shouldn't give it up." She gave him a beaming smile, "As long as you make it another day, you're a day closer to achieving your goal."

Claude closed his eyes and thought for a little bit. "Even if I have to use others to achieve that goal."

"I mean… Isn't that your job?" Lene asked, "You do seem like someone in a leadership position… Why would I judge someone for doing their job?"

"I-"

"'I' nothing!" Lene nearly shouted, "If that's what you need to accomplish this grand dream, then you should stick to it! I'm sure you have more support than you think."

As if on cue, Claude saw the glowering face of Lysithea approach them. "Great," he said, "Here comes the Terror of Ordelia."

"I heard that!" Lysithea snapped, "and um, hello, I'm Lysithea von Ordelia, it's a pleasure." She bowed awkwardly to Lene, who curtseyed back. "Claude, it's a disaster! They're out of wafer cookies at the chocolate fondue fountain!"

Claude couldn't hold in his laughter. "Truly! A cataclysm of untold proportions! Have you asked the Queen, or perhaps a chef?"

Lysithea put her hands on her hips. "You know that I'm not good at conversing with people, Claude! Lute and Sanaki as well!"

"I'm well aware," he said in resignation. He turned to Lene and bowed, "Well, our conversation was really helpful, so… thanks."

"Anytime, Mr. Claude!" Lene replied brightly, "Perhaps I could introduce you to my friend next time, I think you'd get along… probably!" She bounced towards another table, probably to grab someone else to dance with. Claude sighed; Lene was certainly a breath of fresh air.

"Hilda would mock you for weeks if she saw your expression right now." Lysithea looked disapprovingly. "Now come on, my sweets aren't going to replenish themselves!"

Kiran had spent the last two songs surrounded by Askrian nobility, each vying for a chance to grab his ear for a few moments, trying to sway him one way or another. To be honest, he wasn't really paying attention. The summoner's focus was entirely on one person. He finally found Ishtar, leaned back in her chair, considering a glass of wine on the nearby table. "I, uh… saw that you had a dance with Emperor Arvis."

"Ah, Kiran!" Ishtar peeled her eyes away from the drink, "Your timing could not be more impeccable."

"That bad, huh?" Kiran took a seat next to the mage, who laughed in response.

"To be quite honest," Ishtar replied, "I do not think it could have gone any better!" She clasped the summoner's hand in her own. "He said that he would support us as long as we were happy together."

Kiran blinked. "Oh!" He exclaimed, "That's good! I thought he might try to have me executed of something."

Ishtar laughed nervously and coughed a couple times. "Of- of course not!"

"Right, that's silly of me."

"How silly of you! He would never- um…" Ishtar looked at her feet. "I have to admit, I'm still nervous."

"Yeah." Kiran squeezed her hand tightly. "Me too."

Ishtar gave a determined huff. "We should dance!" She stated, "You and I, we should dance and just keep dancing!"

Kiran chuckled. "That was the plan." He replied, helping the thunder mage up. "I didn't think you'd want Reinhardt to represent Friegian dance, after all." The two of them turned to watch Reinhardt and Grima struggle through the waltz, which Ishtar did find rather humorous.

"Quite," she giggled, "My good name may be sullied by such a performance!" She nearly dragged Kiran onto the dance floor. "Have you danced this waltz before?" She asked.

Kiran laughed. "Absolutely not in public. Sharena taught me months ago, though."

Ishtar beamed. "Well, there is a first time for everything!" She let the summoner take the lead, only offering occasional advice. As they grew comfortable, she felt like she could finally lead to other avenues of conversation. "Your home did not have formal dances like this?"

Kiran shrugged. "Uh, not really. Weddings, I suppose," he paused, "and most of the dancing there was more… group based than 1 on 1 dancing."

"Ah," Ishtar replied, "Well, you have adapted marvelously, if I do say so myself."

"I'm working on it," Kiran replied, "I feel like I shouldn't embarrass myself, at least."

"Mission accomplished, then!" Ishtar exclaimed. The two went on for a moment, just taking in the atmosphere, before she spoke again. "Now, if it isn't too much to ask, I would like to hear more about your world. I feel like all we have done is talk about my life and problems; I want to know more about you." She listened intently as he talked about the strange world he came from, the foreign… technology was the term he used, and how different everything was. But also what was the same, good and bad. It was fascinating.

"- I learned my lesson pretty quickly, but my brother never stops reminding me of the time I almost burnt down our swing."

"Your brother reminds me of Ishtore," Ishtar reminisced, "He would always find a way to brighten the room, especially for myself and Tine."

Kiran laughed. "Ishtore? Tine? I'm assuming they're family of yours?"

Ishtar nodded, "Yes, my brother and cousin, respectively. Tine was never treated well by mother and father, so Ishtore and I tried to make up for it."

"Sounds like a good brother."

"He… was?" Ishtar blinked, "Is? I can't recall…" She stumbled back, only to be steadied by the summoner. "Thank you, Kiran. I was just momentarily distracted."

Kiran looked worried. "Do you want to sit? I can fetch some water." Ishtar shook her head vigorously.

"No!" She said forcefully, "No. I have been waiting all night to dance with you, and I won't be interrupte- "

"Well well, look at these two nerds!" Clarisse's familiar voice caught Ishtar's ear, as the blonde archer ruffled Kiran's hair. "Hey boss, this isn't the worst party." She turned to Ishtar, who was glaring daggers at her. "Hey Ish-taaaar! Sorry about interrupting your alone time, but I needed to ask Kiran a question."

"What's up, Clarisse?" Kiran asked.

"I wanted to know if I could beat up any of the old farts talking to Reese."

"No causing an international incident, you made the rules yourself, Clarisse!"

Clarisse beamed, "You're right! Which means I can break the rules I helped make up! Thanks bud!" She slapped Kiran's back, launching him into a close embrace with Ishtar. "And yer welcome." She finished smugly, before running off.

Ishtar and Kiran were both blushing furiously now. "I am really sorry about that," Kiran said, "I forgot how Clarisse is when she drinks."

"She is much less threatening, somehow." Ishtar noted, "I suppose most of her demeanor is a shell, hmm?"

Kiran chuckled. "Don't tell anyone though, she gets furious when people figure her out."

"Was she always like this?"

"Clarisse?" The Summoner shook his head, "Believe it or not, she was worse! She's really mellowed out since she first joined the Order."

Ishtar blinked. "Well, I am glad I never met her when she was worse. She might have had my head for what I'm about to do!" She quickly gave Kiran a peck on the cheek. "Now, shall we continue?"

"Y-yes," Kiran squeaked out, "Let's!"

"Nephenee, you did very well, I apologize for not being an adequate partner on that dance."

"Ada- wha?" Nephenee had just sat down next to Kagero, who was massaging her foot. "You don't haveta say sorry, K; you were doin' pretty good there!"

Kagero grimaced. "My choice of footwear was poor, I am not used to these types of dances."

"Well, ahm just fine sitting with ya," Nephenee gave the ninja a bright smile, "Don't wantcha to get blistered." Kagero shook her head, and stood up.

"I will forgo my footwear," she stated, "You have put too much work for my sake, I refuse to let it go to waste." Kagero grabbed Nephenee's hand with fervor and nearly dragged her back onto the dance floor. "Please lead the way… Neph."

"Heh, if yer sure, K," the lancer replied, "Miss Maribelle definitely taught me this'n." She began to lead Kagero gently. "Y'know, I never asked…"

"Hmm?"

"How did you end up bein' so fond of me? I feel like I explain'd myself purty clearly back when I…" she blushed, "Y'know."

"Neph, aren't we well past that point now?" Kagero asked. Nephenee shook her head vigorously. "And you realize that when you're timid like this, I do feel an urge to tease you?"

The halberdier blushed. "I-I know that, but I really wanna know!"

Kagero sighed. "It is very simple," she began, "When we began to talk to one another, I felt like you were easy to speak to. I had no qualms sharing myself of my work, even if I knew you might not fully understand them. Oboro was the last person who made me feel that comfortable, and you were the first person not from Hoshido to make me feel that way." She paused, giving Nephenee time to respond. The halberdier gave her a look of encouragement before Kagero continued on, "I have never been one to express romantic feelings, so I considered my fondness for you as one of friendship. But when I feared that I had broken your heart, I realized you were someone I cared for enough to… risk that friendship."

Nephenee pushed forward. "So, ya weren't sure then?"

"I am sure now," Kagero countered, "Which is worth far more, I believe?" Nephenee blushed. "Hmmm, it seems so. Remember when you called me 'pretty'?"

"Mmhm."

"Well, it certainly helps that I find you very beautiful as well." She chuckled as Nephenee tried to hide under her helmet. "Are you not supposed to lead us? I'm not familiar with this dance."

"R-right." Nephenee squared up, took a deep breath of air, and began to lead the Ninja around the floor. They both smirked and chuckled with each misstep, as the waltz continued on.

Seteth leaned back in his chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation. Keeping track of all the students was becoming a hassle in this large crowd, and Flayn had even called him a 'overbearing brother'. Overbearing? He was merely fulfilling his duty as a chaperone, since Shamir and Catherine had decided to take the evening off.

As he took another heaving breath in frustration, before he saw a familiar face wave to him. Tiki was, thankfully, someone who seemed to understand Seteth's plight. She approached him with a reserved smile. "Mr. Seteth," she began, "You look well."

"Not for lack of trying, I'm afraid," Seteth replied with a polite smile of his own, "My duties are striving to age me rather quickly."

"Hmm," Tiki took a seat next to the aide, "I imagine you have quite the constitution, but you shouldn't overexert yourself." She turned to Flayn, who was dancing with a gaggle of other girls and squealing with glee. "Your daughter seems to be enjoying herself, Mr. Seteth;" Seteth coughed and choked on his drink, "Perhaps she would have more fun if you were to enjoy yourself as well?"

"My sister, Ms. Tiki," he replied sharply.

Tiki looked at the two again, and nodded slowly. "Ah, my mistake. Still, my point stands." She gracefully stood, Seteth made a note that, much like Lady Rhea and… well, he needn't dwell on that- she made little to no sound. "As an apology, I will tell you a bit about my life; is that agreeable?"

Seteth slowly took her hand. "I would enjoy a chat with a like minded colleague, yes." They took to the dance floor, and Seteth chuckled. "My, I haven't danced since-" He paused, and closed his eyes.

Tiki frowned, "I do not wish to pain you, Mr. Seteth…"

"It's fine." He insisted, "You wished to tell me about your life, correct?"

Tiki smiled. "If we're to work together on helping these children and the children of Askr, we should learn more about each other." She began her tale, from her life with Bantu, her journeys with Mar-Mar-

"Mar-Mar?"

Tiki chucked. "Forgive me, my childhood name for my friend Marth. He will certainly appear here in form or fashion one day; he was a hero without peer, after all."

"I did happen upon the name Marth in one of the history texts Ms. Sonya lent me," Seteth recalled, "And you knew him. What great fortune."

"Both a fortune and a curse, as you well know." Tiki said warily. She continued, onwards to her long sleep, and meeting the Shepherds and their future flung children. "Condensed like so, my life does seem rather fleeting, much like a man's life."

Seteth looked away. "It is incredible, Lady Tiki," he replied, "I have only been in service to three people in my life, Lady Rhea, Flayn, and my wife; to have failed to protect two of them is my greatest sin and regret."

"You refer to your wife and this Rhea?"

"My wife and Flayn."

Tiki turned around rather quickly, allowing Seteth to gaze upon Flayn. She was currently dancing with Fir and Nino, laughing all the while. "I would not say you've failed Flayn yet, Mr. Seteth."

Seteth looked down at the ground. "Lady Tiki, it is merely Seteth."

"Mr. Seteth, it is merely Tiki." The manakete guided him off the dance floor. "My apologies, I was merely trying to lift your spirits."

Seteth smiled. "No, you did that, Lady- um… Tiki. I still have a lot to go through, I fear."

"Well, let me know if I can assist you, Seteth," Tiki replied, "What friend would I be if I ignored your plight?" She stretched and sat down a few seats away. "Now, I believe I'll take a short nap…". Seteth chortled at how fast the manakete dozed off, then proceeded to daydream a bit himself. He was fishing off of the coast, with two people close in hand… easier days…

Marisa had been looking for Tana for a while now. Her ladyship's face looked downcast and as gloomy as a Jehanna sandstorm, and the least she could do was try to…

"Oh, hello Marisa." A gloomy voice echoed out of the shadows, "You do not need to worry, I'm perfectly fine." Tana was seated at a couch, huddled next to a throw pillow. "Well, fine is a subjective term, isn't it?"

"I wouldn't call you fine by any measure, Lady Tana." Tana was too gloomy to respond or reprimand her for using a title, a sure sign things were bad. "I'm… sorry about Lord Ephraim," Tana sniffed, "Probably shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, it's alright." Tana muttered, "Deep down I knew that just being a noble would not be enough. L'Arachel carries herself far more respectfully than I ever have."

"She's loud." Marisa stated plainly. Tana glared at her.

"And you would not feel your heart flutter if she declared her love for you?" The Pegasus knight retorted. Marisa looked away.

"Lord Ephraim and I have different tastes." Tana turned to the mercenary.

"And what are those?" Tana asked. Marisa turned away, but the princess caught a blush. "Ma- I don't mean to sound presumptuous, but you can't possibly mean…" Marisa didn't answer, but attempted to reach out her hand. Fir's words echoed in her mind, so much so that she only barely heard Tana mutter, "I'm so sorry, Marisa; I'm so -". She didn't even hear Tana leave, all Marisa could hear was her using every fiber of her being not to cry out in dejection, and crawl in the deepest hole and die.

"Ican still hit her from this range."

"I could get my Pegasus, trip her, and then you could shoot her."

"Agreed."

Shamir and Cynthia had somehow descended next to the shaking Marisa, and she felt an arm around her.

"Nobody is killing anyone," Catherine scolded, "Come on, partner." Cynthia sat down on Marisa's other side, while Shamir sat down cross legged on the floor.

"Before you ask, we accidentally caught the last bit of it." Shamir stated, "Sorry."

Marisa couldn't bear it anymore, and she began to cry. All of her stupid pining, and for what?

Catherine patted her back. "Hey, hey, let it all out. Even the mercs like you and Shamir have to cry sometimes."

Shamir huffed, but didn't refute the point.

"Hubert, please stop looking at my mom!" Noire pleaded.

Hubert squinted at the seated Tharja. She was glaring daggers into him. "She does realize that dancing with you was your idea?"

Noire shuffled a bit. "Well, it would be easier if both of us danced with each other rather than be harassed for dances all night."

Hubert sighed. "I concurred, hence why I'm still here."

Noire sighed as well. "If only mother could understand that we like different people…". Hubert squinted.

"What do you mean by that."

Noire stammered. "W-w-well! My mother doesn't know, but I was dating a very sweet boy in Ylisse, um… Donnel and Maribelle's son?"

"Ah, but you're being rather presumptuous to assume I care for anyone."

"Ah, I… I'm sorry. I just assumed you might, you look like you have people you care about."

"I care about the wishes of Lady Edelgard, but do not mistake that for frivolous emotions like attraction." Hubert hissed. Noire flinched, before her amulet began to glow. "Ah, right, the amulet."

Noire blinked, and the glowing ceased. "Hmm?" She asked, "Has my mother told you about it?"

Hubert chuckled. "I've been sworn to secrecy, I'm afraid," there was a long pause before he spoke up again, "Lady Tharja was quite proud of your achievements at the archery range. She could not help but sing your praises the next day." Noire blinked in shock.

"She watched? I had assumed she wasn't even there."

"I assume she was skulking in the shadows. Much like I would prefer to be." Hubert stumbled on a step and Noire caught him quickly. "My apologies, the Von Vestra household did not focus on noble pursuits like dancing."

Noire frowned. "Spying? Or worse, I assume?"

Hubert chuckled, "How accurate. I assume the only time I will get father's approval is when I supplant him." Noire gasped.

"That's… so awful," she finally muttered, "I'm sorry."

"It is the life of a Von Vestra; but yes, it is what one might call awful." Hubert replied, "Though the life the other Tharja put you through doesn't seem much better." Noire didn't reply. "How fortunate you are that this Lady Tharja is more keen on helping you with your problems in more constructive ways. If only more people were willing to be so flexible." Noire giggled. "That was not meant to be humorous."

"You… just reminded me of something Nah would say." She said, looking at the Manakete struggling to dance with Dedue. "She's a little more blunt than you, but I think you'd enjoy her company."

Hubert smiled. "And you are a less panicky and frightened Bernadetta," he noted, "She still manages to be a fine ally, you may wish to converse with her if the opportunity arrives."

They continued on, sharing stories of the people they knew closely, Noire had even managed to get Hubert to admit to enjoying someone's company beyond Lady Edelgard. Though she never got the name, she knew that he enjoyed tea to an absurd degree, and that image alone was something to behold.

The ball continued deep into the night, and as the night ended - punctuated by Kiran, Lyn and Robin struggling to carry Ishtar, Aversa, Cordelia and Hector back to their respective rooms from their drunken stupors - things seemed to be at their calmest. Well, except for four resident prodigies attempting to eat the rest of the desserts in one sitting.

Intrigue? Passion? A lack of knowledge in dance?

Thanks for reading, everyone! As always, comments, concerns, keyboard smashes, and anything else is loved and appreciated!

The next chapter is entitled: Protege Rivalry!