"Lisanna wait!" Mirajane panted as she tried to keep up with her sister, who sped along the icy cliffs in her winter wind wolf form.
"Nay! Just leave me alone."
Mira growled in frustration. It was taking a lot of energy to maintain her ice demoness form, the only avatar that could hope to catch her fleet-footed sister, and both she and the younger lass knew that she would have to transform back soon if she wished to conserve any magical energy for tomorrow's battle. In a last desperate attempt to stop her, Mira swerved away from the narrow path, ducking into a shallow ravine and sending a concentrated pulse of energy into the cliffside. A huge snowy boulder half a mile away dislodged itself and rolled down the icy slopes, starting a small avalanche and effectively blocking the way of the swift-footed wolf.
Lisanna reached the blockade a split second later, neatly spinning on her heel to face her pursuer as she snarled and bared her teeth. Mirajane approached her cautiously, her hands raised in a placating gesture.
"I only wish to speak with you…"
"Then speak and be done with it!" Lisanna snapped, releasing her wolf form to slowly return to her elven figure. With a sigh of relief, Mira did the same, inching still closer to the younger elf.
"Are you upset with me, dear one?" Mira began hesitantly.
Lisanna glared at her elder sibling, her lips stubbornly sealed. But Mira could see the swirling grief and fear hidden in the depths of her baby blue orbs, and it further strengthened her resolve to be honest with her precious little sister.
"I will take that as a yes." Mira quipped with a wry smile. "And I understand. You have every right to be, for no one deserves to be told that their love is false…"
"And yet here you are, doing just that." Spat Lisanna, shooting a venomous look at her sister.
"...But it is the duty of those who care about you and love you as deeply and as long as I have to do everything in their power to help you find true happiness. Even at the cost of earning your eternal ire and everlasting hate."
Lisanna stiffened. "Dramatic words, sister. And what makes you think I am not happy?"
Mira's eyes softened. "You were never a good liar, Lisanna."
Lisanna let out a hiss of frustration running her hands through her short wispy locks. "What do you want from me, Mira? Must I shout my love for him from the clifftops?! Sing and dance with him every day?! I love him! I am happy with him! And he is… happy with me." She hesitated, biting her lower lip. "He has bonded to me… We are destined for each other. Therefore it is written in fate that we must be happy with one another. And… we are."
Mira said nothing, merely looking at the young elf maiden as she stared unseeingly at her trembling hands.
"Natsu has been in my life for so long, and I have been in love with him from the moment I laid eyes on him. It is true that recently we have been having… difficulties, in our relationship. But that is perfectly normal! Whatever we may face… we can surmount it… for we love each other…"
"Have you convinced yourself with those words, dear? For you certainly have not convinced me."
Lisanna sighed wearily. "But Mira, couples fight all the time! Brother Elfman and Evergreen are constantly at each other's necks, as are many of the other elven couples we know! So why is my situation any different..."
"They do fight each other," Mira interrupted, her eyes blazing. "But they never fear each other!"
The younger elf maiden sucked in a breath, not daring to look her elder sister in the eye. She hugged herself, gazing at the ground as she chewed her bottom lip.
"I am faithful to him. He is the only one for me. He has always been…"
"Nay, be honest with yourself Lisanna! Is it truly faith or fear?!"
"I-I admit, there are times when he… well, his demon form frightens me, but we have spoken about it! And he has promised to do all in his power to curb himself, so I am sure we will soon be fine…"
Mira sighed. "Nay, dearest one. That is not what I meant. Just now you stressed how much you've loved Natsu from the moment you met him and how he has been 'in your life for so long'. That is true. We have known him since we have been little, and you have always been infatuated with him. In fact, you've been infatuated with him for so long, you cannot imagine not being 'in love' with him. However, when your dream came true, and he seemed to return your affections… Natsu, as a lover, was not what you thought he would be. But you have thought yourself to be in love with him for so long, you are afraid to be anything otherwise! It is not faith that keeps you with him. It is fear. Fear of letting go of that love you longed for, and which you now know will never be. Fear of facing the unknown beyond the infatuation which kept you preoccupied for most of your life. Fear of… hurting Natsu, who may not be your true love, but is nonetheless a dear friend whom you will always care for…"
Lisanna had remained stock still throughout her sister's speech. As Mira's diatribe wound down into its soft conclusion, Lisanna took in a deep breath, taking a few more steps forward to stand a foot away from her elder sister. Glancing around furtively, she leaned in closer to Mira.
"Perhaps… perhaps what you said is… true. I love Natsu, and always will… but… not in the way I should. But… I am his bonded, am I not? sob He is doomed to love no other… and I cannot return his affection! I just… sob... I just cannot! Does… Does that make me a cruel person, Mira?" Lisanna broke down, dropping to her knees on the icy ground as violent sobs rocked her willowy frame.
Mira knelt down, gathering the trembling young elf maiden in her arms, whispering soothing words as she gently rocked her back and forth. They sat as such for many moments, as Lisanna finally stilled, her sobs giving way to watery sniffles.
"It does not, my little angel," Mira stated resolutely, her eyes fiery and her tone firm. "You are not cruel for being unable to return his affection, for you cannot control love. I should know! I have observed enough of the present to see just how much heartache and pain can be caused by trying to manipulate so raw, pure and strong an emotion. Lying to yourself and Natsu is far worse a crime, my little one. And that can be righted - now that you have accepted the truth." She smiled down at the young maiden, "Besides, I believe you may not be leaving that fiery-headed prankster in as hopeless a situation as you fear. I am not quite sure… But I believe that he was mistaken when he thought he bonded with you. You may both actually be free already."
Lisanna turned her head slightly, gazing out at the snowy peaks visible in the distance. "I-I suppose I should be feeling disappointed with what you have just said… But in truth, dearest Mira, I can only feel relief!" Lisanna turned back, looking into Mira's eyes with a wry smile on her lips. "That only confirms that you are right, doesn't it big sister?"
Mira beamed. "See? Wouldn't everyone be better off if they just listened to their wise big sisters?"
Lisanna rolled her eyes, a playful smile returning to her lips. "Yea, I'll be sure to tell brother Elfman and Evergreen exactly that the next time you try to mediate their fight!"
Mira grimaced as Lisanna burst out into giggles, the two slowly helping each other up off the cold ground as they locked arms and began their leisurely descent down the steep cliff path.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Erza marched onto the training grounds, pointedly ignoring the thinly veiled jeers and taunts aimed at her. Years of being a high knight of the castle guard had rendered her immune to such paltry jibes.
For she knew they could do much worse.
Today was an especially trying day, as the training grounds were almost exclusively cordoned off for the high court officials to spar and practice - although very few of that elite class actually bothered to do so. In reality, they would saunter down to the grounds to swap gossip and complain loudly - all the while running their poor squires ragged. It made her blood boil to watch them waste their time and precious resources, all the while insulting her and those handful of sincere knights who dutifully utilized the grounds to train daily.
Erza glanced towards the stands, her sharp eyes scanning the sparse crowd. From where she stood, she could easily make out the features of the people seated - and with a frown, noted that her friend Juvia was missing. It was highly likely Lucy had requested her help with a diplomatic issue again.
It had been a pleasant surprise to discover that Juvia was eligible to join the Pergrande High Court - for she was, in fact, half human on her father's side - the only grandchild of a dignified and noble family of Pergrande. Her parent's story was a sad one - Juvia had explained that her father had met her mermaid mother while on a trading journey in the north. The couple had wed and had chosen Icegard as their home. A year after Juvia was born, however, her parents mysteriously died - and Juvia was taken back to the mermaid tribe, a valuable addition to the clan thanks to her immensely strong mermaid powers. The then queen of the mermaids had elected to train Juvia as a potential candidate for her throne. It was this administrative training that proved to be invaluable to Lucy - for the gentle mermaid had proven to be a treasure trove of ideas and schemes on how to handle the intricacies of politics. That, combined with her deceivingly diffident personality, meant that she made an excellent internal 'spy' of sorts - taking on risky tasks to gather intelligence or influence key people. Juvia had effectively taken over the role that had been originally planned for herself… Not that Erza minded. She knew very well that however hard she practiced, she would never be able to navigate Pergrande's politics with the expertise that Juvia displayed. It was good that Lucy had her. Erza, in the meantime, was where she belonged - on the battlefield. Whether that be as a Knight of the castle, or as a member of the magical group called the Protectors.
Her musings were interrupted rather unceremoniously by a slurred rendition of her name, followed by a gangly youth flanked by four bulky knights waltzing up to her - his bloodshot eyes leering as he took in her armor clad form.
"You'reeee the lady Scarlett, huh?"
Erza pursed her lips, opting to ignore the high court man. The alcohol he had no doubt just consumed before he entered the grounds made his breath reek. The last thing she wanted to do was provoke him.
"HEY! I was talking to you!"
"And I am who you claim. But I see no reason to pursue this conversation, my lord."
The odious young man ignored her words and instead leaned in, he and his knights attempting to crowd Erza into the corner of the stadium she usually occupied for her training. The stern glare she leveled at the towering men behind the youth had them hesitating just a hair - before they arrogantly followed their leader's example.
"But I want to pursue this conversation, Milady. I wish to know you better… much better…"
The lascivious snickers of the men behind him made Erza's blood run cold. The situation was bad - very bad. Although Erza knew she could defeat all four men and teach this puny pipsqueak a lesson if she went all out, she could not afford to show her true strength here. If she did, the cruel courtiers in the stands watching this tableau with interest would no doubt accuse her of being a freak… or a mage - even though she wouldn't need to use a drop of her magic to defeat these brutes. The only other recourse would be to endure whatever they had planned. She only prayed it was nothing too extreme…
"Lord Kildare? What are you doing down here?"
An elderly yet fit courtier approached the group, a genial smile upon his face. He offered Erza a brisk nod before turning back to the youth, taking in his companions with a slight frown. The youth visibly deflated as the older high courtier joined them, throwing a sulky glance over his shoulder at his friends.
"Just speaking with Lady Scarlett, Sir Richard. I wished to spar with her."
"Well you'll have to get in line then, lad. For Lady Scarlett always spars with me first - is that not right, Milady?"
Erza shot the gentleman a relieved smile as she nodded in agreement. Sir Richard bowed gracefully, gesturing to the open space behind him, but before he and Erza could take another step, a servant from the castle approached the Lord, bowing low and clearing his throat.
"Sir Richard. Her highness requests your esteemed presence for an emergency council meeting."
The elderly man frowned, his gaze flitting between Erza and the younger high court official still leering at her.
"Can't this wait for a quarter of an hour?"
"I'm afraid not, my lord. Her majesty specifically requested you."
Sir Richard sighed, running a hand over his chin.
"Very well then. Lady Scarlett? I will return as soon as possible…"
With a parting worried look at Erza, the older courtier followed the servant into the castle. Erza cursed her abominable luck as she slowly turned back around to face her leering hecklers. Before she could do anything else, however, a warm hand on her shoulder startled her.
"What goes on here?"
Erza froze at the sound of the honeyed voice that was tinged with anger and concern. Her heart beat madly in her chest, her knees suddenly feeling weak. She would know that voice anywhere…
A lean and muscular young man stepped up beside Erza, his intricate facial tattoo attracting the attention of the gathered group.
"Jellal?" Erza whispered, the sound so soft it barely carried to the man right beside her. The feathery word reached his ears, however, and the man stiffened instantly - shooting Erza a fleeting look filled with raging curiosity, anger and fear. He dropped his hand from her shoulder and turned to fully face her challengers instead.
"Well, Lord Kildare? Why are four of your personal knights and yourself accosting this lone warrior? Surely you do not all look for a spar at the same time?"
"Lord Seigrien." The youth spat out the name as if hurling an insult. "What we wish to do with this castle knight is none of your business!"
Seigrien lifted an annoyed brow. "Normally, you would be right. But unfortunately today, her majesty has charged me with the onerous task of mediating any fights that get a little out of hand. A right of passage for all new inductees to the Pergrande High court, apparently." He replied smoothly. "So you see - in a sense it is my business."
"We weren't fighting." The stubborn youth whined.
Seigrien's visage darkened, an ominous air enveloping him.
"Not yet. But if you do attempt anything, I will then be forced to intercede - and fair warning, I will not hold back…"
The deadly look in his eyes had the group of cowardly men taking an involuntary step back, their expressions wary and frightened. At last, one of the bulky knights spoke, inclining his head in semi-respect to the tattooed man.
"We meant no disrespect to Milady Scarlett. And we have no desire to spar with her anymore."
With that the man clamped a heavy hand on the youth's shoulder, effectively ending any drunken protest the spindly boy planned on making. He and his fellow knights steered their charge away from the dangerous pair, shooting dark glances at them over their shoulders as they walked away.
Erza let out a breath she had not known she had been holding.
"Lord Seigrien…"
"Just Seigrien will do, Milady."
Erza smiled, finally daring to look into her savior's eyes. She took in an involuntary breath as she examined his features, unbidden tears glistening in her dark brown orbs. He was an exact replica of her deceased friend. Her discomfort was noted by her companion, his own brow furrowing in concern.
"Milady? Are you okay? I hope they didn't attempt anything untoward…"
"I must apologize." Erza blurted out, her distress prompting her to interrupt him. "F-for calling you by that name. It is just… You look so much like him. An old, dear friend of mine…"
Seigrien couldn't help the look of shock on his face before he quickly rearranged his visage into a more neutral look. He hoped she hadn't noticed.
"I see. And from your reaction to me, I'm assuming this friend of yours is no more."
Erza bowed her head, not bothering to wipe away the copious tears that streamed from her eyes.
The sight of the lovely woman before him so sad and vulnerable touched something in the normally heartless and cold man. Before he had made a conscious effort to do something, he found his lips forming words and uttering them.
"Will you spar with me?"
Erza looked up, her surprise evident. Slowly, her lips turned up into a soft smile.
"I would be honored to, Seigrien. And please address me as Erza."
"Of course… Erza…"