As usual, I don't own anything. I'm just a fan writing some fiction. Please enjoy!

Dwarven Vow 2:
Riamh leig seachad cuideigin ann an fheum.
Never abandon someone in need.

2-

The return of Mizuho's temporary ambassador was usually met with excitement from the villagers, especially children, who flocked to the chief's house calling 'Sheena's back! Sheena's back!' in hopes that there would be some sort of foreign sweets or toys brought back as souvenirs. But today the village was quiet. Something had happened to set even the children on-edge, and Sheena found no one to greet her when she made it to the village gate. She walked back to her grandfather's house in silence, wondering if it had anything to do with the recent scientific controversy making headlines in Meltokio and Palmacosta. After all, her grandfather had been asked by the King to give Mizuho's opinion on the matter, and while he initially refused to let the outside world know their thoughts, it was becoming more and more difficult to avoid taking sides.

And from the looks on her grandfather and Tiga's faces when she entered, she knew that they were ready to provide the outside world an answer.

"You've… made a decision without me?"

Sheena looked back and forth between her grandfather and his co-chief, unable to figure out what else to say. Igaguri frowned, looking to Tiga for support, and Tiga was happy to explain.

"The village's opposition was expressed in an overwhelming majority. One more vote otherwise wouldn't have changed the outcome." He handed a folded piece of paper toward Sheena with a nod. "Much as we want to remain separate from the outside world, we are dependent on the Great Tree's mana just as much as everyone else. The people of Mizuho cannot remain undecided in the face of such a risky endeavor when the safety of the world's mana supply is at stake."

Sheena took the paper, her hand shaking. "B-but that's not true at all. This project isn't nearly as dangerous as its opponents make it out to be. You know Professor Sage. She lived much of her life in the declining world, so she'd never do something that could endanger the world's mana supply-"

"Your perspective is not misguided, Sheena," Igaguri interrupted. "I have no doubt that you want only the best for Mizuho and the world. But-"

"Then why won't you hear me out?"

"As the future chief of this village, you need to learn to listen to your people." Tiga responded. "Only by doing that will you earn the same respect. You know that."

Igaguri reached over to place his hand on top of Tiga's. "She does. But it's important to remember that her experience outside the village has affected her worldview. In a way, I think she may have more wisdom on this subject than some of us elders."

Sheena blushed, looking down at her knees. "Th-that's not-"

"Chief, you're not suggesting that we go back on our promise to the villagers?" Tiga interrupted.

"I'm not saying that at all. As our temporary ambassador, Sheena is obligated to carry the message of her people no matter her own personal feelings. However, she is also an intelligent young woman who wants to do what's best for her people. Grappling with personal wishes and civil obligations is something every leader must do at some point." Igaguri stopped momentarily and cleared his throat. "Say, Tiga, I think Mizuki was looking for you earlier. She said something about an incident with her daughter's calligraphy set. You should probably go see what that's about. I'll continue talking to my granddaughter alone."

Tiga sighed and stood up, walking toward the entryway with a respectful nod. "Of course. I'm sure it's the same thing as usual."

Sheena wanted to laugh as she gave a thought to little Kumiko's wild calligraphy antics of late, but she didn't want to appear irreverent. She was certain that her grandfather was chasing Tiga out so that he could scold her properly for her outburst and she wasn't looking forward to that. Better not to make it any worse than it was.

"So, Sheena," Igaguri spoke up again, turning back to his granddaughter, "how is Mister Irving lately?"

"Huh?" Sheena had her head bowed, but her gaze shot up again as she heard Lloyd's name mentioned. "Lloyd? What about him?"

"I'm just curious. Is he doing well?"

"Y-yes." Sheena was hesitant as she began to answer, not quite sure where he was going with this. "He's still working on that thing with the Dwarven blacksmithing… he was making an offer on a building in Luin- a previous glassblowing workshop that he's hoping to modify into a forge- but he hasn't heard back from the agent as far as I know."

"Sounds like a worthy endeavor." Igaguri nodded. "And Miss Brunel?"

"She's still teaching at the Meltokio Grammar School. I think she got in trouble recently for spending too much time doing arts and crafts, but all the kids adore her so it's not like she's going anywhere."

"Lovely. And Mister Wilder?"

Sheena turned away with a 'hmph!' "Why would I know what Zelos is up to? I just hear about him from Colette. She says that Seles was really sick a few months back and still hasn't gotten back on her feet, so he's taken a break from their noveling thing and stayed with her more lately. But I haven't the slightest idea what he's been doing otherwise."

"I see. That's a shame. I'll pray for Miss Wilder's recovery, then." Igaguri crossed his arms and nodded his head. "Still, it seems your friends are faring well amidst the current uncertainty. Will they be attending the Unification Picnic in Meltokio?"

"Yes, they will." Sheena nodded.

"Has Mister Irving asked you to accompany him as his date?"

"I-I'm going as the representative for Mizuho!" She blushed as she spluttered a response. "I don't have the time for that sort of thing."

Seeing her sudden embarrassment, Igaguri couldn't help a laugh. "On the contrary, I think it would be good for the two of you to spend some quality time together. You're always so busy, I know it must be hard for the two of you. Enjoy yourselves. De-stress a little. Perhaps discuss your future plans. Everyone in Mizuho is waiting for him with open arms, as soon as he decides to-"

"G-grandfather!" Sheena interrupted him, her face going red. "You know that's the last thing on his mind right now. He has so much he's trying to do, I can't pull him away from that. Besides, the outside world's customs on courtship and marriage aren't… the same as in Mizuho. They tend to date for much longer."

"Yes. Everyone has noticed." Igaguri gave his granddaughter a wink. "Some are starting to wonder if Lloyd has a fear of commitment."

"That's not true! Lloyd is the most committed person I know!" Before she knew what she was doing, Sheena found herself leaning forward, slamming one of her hands on the table. Her grandfather's cup of tea shook, some sloshing out onto the surface. She jerked to sit up straight again and then rose to her feet. "S-sorry. I'll get a cloth and clean it up. Would you like me to make some more tea for you?"

Igaguri watched her, sipping what was left from his cup. "There's no need- for that or for your defense. I'm not impatient, and I fully support Lloyd's endeavors. As the chief, I'm simply voicing some of the concerns of my people, no matter my personal opinion on them."

Sheena had returned with a cloth and was wiping the spilled tea from the table in front of her grandfather. She caught his eye and realized what he was getting at. Once the tabletop was dry, she returned to her seat across the table from him, bowing her head.

"I understand, grandfather. I'll deliver the letter for you and the rest of the village. But, as for Lloyd…" Sheena closed her eyes and sighed. "...he's working so hard on projects outside Mizuho, the idea of suddenly dragging him here makes me feel terrible. You can't live with one foot in Mizuho and one in the outside world."

"Can you?"

"W-well-"

"As our current ambassador to the outside world, you're the one who knows the most about that. Perhaps you should decide that for yourself. Or, better yet, discuss it with him. As much as you're worried about his happiness, I know he's worried about yours. And if marrying him and bringing him to Mizuho would make you happy, then…"

Sheena shook her head. "I wish it were that easy."

Igaguri smiled and pushed the letter across the table to her once again. "As a leader, you've learned about making compromises for the good of everyone involved. But those skills don't have to be saved for large communities. Even relationships between two people require prudent judgement and compromise. I'm sure you can find out the best course of action, both to navigate your future and- if you're so sure about the good in this study- convince both the citizens of Mizuho and the outside world that it's the right thing to do."

Surprised by his words, Sheena jerked her head up to look at him. Tentatively, she took the letter and clasped it reverently in her hands. "...yes. I will."

"That's my girl."

Raine's clothes were a little too big for Colette, and they hung loosely on her shoulders. Colette didn't mind that, however. She was too upset to think about her clothes, or even the hot cocoa that Genis had tried to offer her. She was sitting in a chair in the corner, her legs curled up against her chest and her head bowed, tears falling from her eyes onto her knees.

Lloyd sat by her side, keeping a hand on her shoulder. It was the first time he'd been in one of the Palmacosta University's research buildings, so he was a little uncomfortable. The stark white hallways and the chemical smell reminded him too much of a hospital, and the thought made his stomach churn. But that's what they were here for, wasn't it? Not to restore some sort of artifact, but to hopefully save a life.

Within a few minutes, the door to Raine's lab opened and the sound of a baby crying filled up the hallway. Colette's head jerked up and she scrambled uneasily to her feet, with Lloyd beside her to steady her.

"Don't freak out," Rained assured her, cradling the infant in one arm and reaching to Colette with the other. "She's crying to get air into her lungs. That's a good sign."

"What was wrong with her?" Lloyd asked, trying to see over Raine's shoulder.

Raine handed the baby over to Colette before turning back to face Lloyd. "Acute tracheal stenosis due to a developmental delay of tracheal rings," she replied. "It's quite common in half-elf infants."

Lloyd didn't miss a beat. "So what was wrong with her?" he repeated, a little more impatient this time.

Genis nudged Lloyd and pointed to his throat. "Her windpipe was too small for her lungs. Raine had to use a spell to increase airflow temporarily while her body grows to compensate."

"So, will she be okay?" Colette asked, clutching the baby close to her chest.

"She'll be fine. The spell I used on her should stay in effect for at least a week, and if her trachea hasn't widened enough by then, it can be cast again." Raine leaned down next to Colette, stroking the infant's cheek. "This is much more common than you'd imagine, especially in half-elves that weren't carried to full term. It usually manifests around four or five weeks of age, so I'd say this little one was probably a preemie. Though, Genis had a mild case when he was that age too, so it can affect even healthy infants."

"I did?"

"It results from the variability of human and elf genetics that are present in half-elves. Humans have a larger lung capacity than elves, so for half-elves it can be a bit of a toss-up." Raine's affectionate expression darkened slightly as she continued. "Though it was well-documented phenomenon, up until a thousand years or so ago no one knew what caused it or how to treat it. It was considered a curse upon half-elves since ancient times, and factored into their oppression…"

"But nowadays you can cure it easily, right? I mean, that didn't take you long at all." Lloyd interrupted, stepping in between Genis and Raine so that he could approach Colette again and get a better view. "I was thinking, y'know, she might've been abandoned because what she had was incurable and she was going to die anyway. But if a cute whatever-you-said is that easy to cure, that can't be the case."

"I don't care right now." Colette leaned down, pressing her face next to the baby's, her voice almost lost in the child's cries. "All that matters is she's okay. She doesn't have to be a sacrifice. No one deserves to be born just to be a sacrifice."

Lloyd, Genis, and Raine exchanged a glance between themselves. They'd all had an inkling as to why Colette was so distraught over the situation, but they weren't going to overtly bring it up. It was satisfying enough to have been able to save the child's life, even if her future was uncertain. Whatever course of action they chose to take, it was clear that Colette wouldn't let any harm come to her.

A commotion from further down the hallway broke up the sentimental atmosphere among the group as they recognized a pair of familiar voices. One was Professor Low, who'd stepped out a few minutes earlier, having received a message that she had a visitor and was required to personally admit him. The other, well… was obviously the visitor.

"Colette? Colette! Are you okay? I heard there was an emergency- what happened?"

Genis groaned. "Colette, you radioed Zelos? We told you, we had this under control-"

Lloyd slapped a hand over Genis' mouth, whispering in his ear "She was upset! Of course she radioed for Zelos! Don't make this worse, okay?"

Thankfully, Zelos hadn't heard the conversation. He was too busy approaching Colette, looking her over for injury at first, and then noticing the crying infant in her arms. "What the-? Whose kid is this?"

"W-we don't know." Colette shook her head. "She must've been kidnapped. We found her abandoned, all alone, near the Great Tree-"

Professor Low broke in, adjusting her glasses as she spoke. "This wasn't just a case of abandonment. All the evidence points to attempted infanticide. And there's no way of knowing whether it was…" Her voice lowered as she continued. "...racially motivated."

"Have you filed a report?" Zelos asked. "If she was kidnapped, she has to have been reported missing somewhere. I'm sure every half-elf rights group would go all-out if they heard a baby had been kidnapped."

"We're working on it," Raine replied. "She was suffering from a rather advanced case of tracheal stenosis, so our first goal was to clear her airway. Even with the right care and environment, she probably wouldn't have lasted another day if that problem wasn't treated."

"So what'll happen to her until we can find her family?" Lloyd asked. "Who's going to take care of her?"

"If there isn't anyone to care for her, she'll have to be turned over to law enforcement as a ward of the state," Professor Low replied with a frown. "I hate it, but I'm just too busy to take her in myself, and I know Raine and Genis must be as well-"

"I'll take her!"

By the time Professor Low got through half of her sentence, Colette had already raised one hand. Zelos, however, was taken by surprise.

"Wait a minute. You'll do what now?"

"I have to," Colette answered firmly. "I want to. I can't leave her by herself. I want to personally make sure she's okay and returns safely to the people who love her."

Lloyd gave Colette an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "I think that's a great thing to do, Colette! I support you!"

"N-no, no…" Zelos stepped in between them, waving his arms. "Can we, uh, talk about this? I know you feel strongly about this kid, but taking in a baby all of a sudden isn't something we can just… do. That's not something I can do. Especially not right now-"

"But I have to!" Colette protested, taking a step back and shielding the infant in her arms. "I can't just leave Adora with some total strangers. She need someone who cares about her!"

Zelos' eye twitched. "Who is Adora? Don't tell me you gave her some random name-"

"It's not random! That's what was written on her box!"

"The box she was buried in?"

"W-well, if we don't know her real name, then-"

Genis cleared his throat. "As I said before, the word adora probably refers to the verb adorare, in reference to the worship of the goddess Mar-"

"How can you be so dismissive, Zelos? Can't you see how important this is to Colette?" Lloyd sent a shove in Zelos' direction. "If you love her, you've gotta support her!"

"Don't shove me!" Zelos knocked him back. "I am supporting her! I don't want her to make a mistake and get in over her head!"

"That's not supporting her! That's controlling her!"

In the meantime, Professor Low leaned over toward Genis, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That box you mentioned may be our best bet if we're looking for clues as to who did this. Would you be able to fly a rheiard back over to the tree and retrieve the box? The police will want it, but Raine and I are too busy to get there."

"Of course." Genis nodded. "I'll go once the others leave…" He glanced over at where Lloyd and Zelos were still arguing. "...hopefully."

"Colette works with kids all day! That's her job! How could she be getting in over her head-?"

"She works with ten-year-olds, Lloyd. Not newborns. Do you have any idea how much work that is?"

"No, but I-"

"NO, you don't! You have no idea the kind of-" "Colette is a hard worker, so I know she'll-" "-effort that goes into caring for small children! You can't-" "-be willing to put in all the work it takes to-" "-just jump into this without a second-" "-make sure that Adora is safe and happy-" "-thought toward your own abilities-"

"STOP! IT! BOTH! OF! YOU!"

Colette slammed her heel down on Zelos' foot first and then Lloyd's. They both flinched and staggered backwards, silenced by her sudden outburst.

"My decisions are mine to make! Not anyone else's! Zelos, I know what I'm getting into and I'm not going to let someone else's reservations keep me from doing what I believe is the right thing! And I can make that clear on my own, so Lloyd, you don't have to defend me like I'm not even here!" She turned her back on them, stepping away a short distance. "I'll take care of Adora and I'll do it by myself."

"C-Colette…" Zelos began hesitantly. "...do you at least know how to take care of a newborn baby?"

"I-" she began, twirling back around on her heels to address them, "-will get someone to teach me!"

Zelos sighed. "You're really set on this, huh? Well, the little tyke is probably hungry. Don't you want to stop and get some breakfast before you go off seeking parenting wisdom? Or-" He stopped and glanced down at his pocket watch. "-brunch, I guess, since it's a little late for breakfast-"

"Late for breakfast?" Lloyd repeated, cutting him off. "Late. For breakfast. I'm late for breakfast! I'm really sorry Colette! I'll check on you and Adora later!"

He was putting his coat back on and scrambling out the door before anyone could ask him what was wrong. Zelos groaned, turning away and motioning for Colette to follow him.

"That idiot's always running off somewhere, isn't he? Ah, well… Colette, are you coming? I can find you some people in Meltokio who can teach you everything there is to know about baby care-"

"Sorry, Zelos, but I'm going to do this on my own." Colette shook her head. "I appreciate your help and I apologize for stepping on your foot. But I need to learn to find help by myself. And I already know exactly who I'm going to ask."