Kiran sighed as they worked on paperwork for the Order. It was a tedious and boring task, but it was one that must be done. Light shown in from the large windows in their office in the castle. If there was one thing the kingdom did right, it was using windows effectively. There was still another stack of papers to complete and the work seemed to never end. Their muscles ached from an intense training session that morning which only made their exhaustion even more apparent.
After what felt like centuries, the sun begun to set, and Kiran's paperwork was mostly completed. Everything else would have to wait until tomorrow. As they left, they handed the last of the completed work to their apprentice, Morgan, who would deliver the papers to their appropriate destinations.
The mess hall was Kiran's next course of action. They hoped to take their meal outside the bustling mess hall to avoid the crowds. A few heroes stopped them along the way to ask a question, to which Kiran put on their metaphorical mask and gave them as best of an answer as they could.
The crowd in the mess hall was mixed along the Heroes worlds, something that Kiran was proud of. Building unity among the various heroes was no easy task, especially among the nobility and the commoners. In the order, everyone was an equal and certain heroes, Kiran did not want to name names, were a bit resistant to the idea.
As they grabbed their food, their eyes scanned the room, keeping an eye on troublemakers. At one of the tables, Seliph and Julia were sitting together with Marth sitting across from them. Seliph had been introduced to the Altean prince shortly after being summoned. Marth was more than happy to help Kiran aid the Heir of Light in adjusting to life in the order. Kiran locked eyes with him and gave him a polite nod in greeting, to which he returned. He gestured to an empty seat beside him, to which Kiran shook their head. They gave him an apologetic look. The noisy and crowded environment felt as if it would swallow them whole. Their meal was in a small bag they used for situations like this, and they turned to leave the mess call.
Kiran took their meal outside not far from the training tower. A stone wall of a nearby building provided a somewhat more secluded place to eat, away from the insanity everywhere else. Even doing paperwork, they constantly had people going in and out of their office giving and taking paperwork. It felt as if it would never end. In addition, they had combat training in the mornings which made them even more exhausted when they did their paperwork.
This was their new life and they have accepted it.
A soft voice shook Kiran out of their thoughts.
"Summoner," the voice called out.
Kiran turned around from where they were watching the setting sun to see Seliph, holding a small bag of cookies. First thought was, how did he find them? They instinctively tensed up, but responded politely, "Seliph. It is good to see you. Do you need anything?"
Seliph quickly responded, "I heard you had a particularly tough training session this morning. Julia baked some cookies last night and we wanted to share some with you. I was wondering if you'd like some?"
Kiran politely replied, "Thank you. It was considerate of the two of you to think of me." Never be rude to someone who is giving you cookies, even if it does break into precious alone time. Cookies are worth it.
"Of course. Would it be alright if I joined you? The sunset here is beautiful," Seliph asked.
Kiran shrugged and responded by patting on the ground beside them. Seliph sat town, holding the bag of cookies in his hands.
Silence occurred between them for a few minutes as Kiran ate their dinner. After finishing one of their food items, they asked him, "How are you adjusting to life in the Order?"
Seliph responded quickly, "It has gone very well. Prince Marth has been most kind to me, and so have you. That's why Julia and I thought of sharing the cookies with you. Most have been the most kind to me"
One of Kiran's eyebrows shot up, "Most?"
Seliph gave an embarrassed squirm. "Niles keeps taking the opportunity to tease me."
Kiran rolled their eyes, "Of course it was Niles. He always does that. I'm sorry you had to go through it. I'll make sure to speak with him about it He has a thing against most noblemen, except Leo."
"Oh, I do not wish to burden you, Summoner," the lord exclaimed.
Kiran shook their head. "It's no big deal," they sighed, "Part of being a leader is dealing with the troublemakers within the group, especially if their trouble is at the expense of their allies. It hurts the victim and enables the troublemaker. That affects the overall morale." The burden of being a leader. A role they did not want nor expect.
"Wise words, Summoner," the lord complimented.
The sun set behind the training tower, casting a large shadow over them. The dark image of the tower brought memories to their mind. Traveling in their own world. Seeing their city's skyline after a long journey and feeling an overwhelming sense of being home. Eating their favorite dish after being away for so long. Seeing this gave them an overwhelming feeling of homesickness. They took a deep gulp as they swallowed both a piece of bread and a lump in their throat.
Seliph turned around and gave them a concerned look, "Hey, Summoner, is everything okay? What's on your mind?"
Kiran sighed. They did their best to hide their issues from the Heroes. It wasn't the Heroes' fault that Kiran was stuck here. There was no point in complaining to Anna, Alfonse, or Sharena either. After all, it's their fault their trapped here. Kiran understands this resentment isn't healthy, and they are trying to work that out. They are very kind people, and Kiran doesn't want to burden them. Still, sometimes Kiran thinks the trio should feel guilty over trapping them in this strange war-torn world. It is a thought that they are not proud of.
Kiran took a deep breath, and spoke the first thing on their mind, "The way the sun hits the tower and the rest of the keep reminds me of my home." They reached their hand up to point in the direction they were referencing.
Seliph turned and looked in that direction and wondered, "I've never once asked you about your homeland, Summoner. I've heard from the other Heroes that you come from a world vastly different than any of ours. Is that true?"
Kiran thought deeply about how they would respond. They had to tread carefully. Be polite, and don't get too close to the Heroes. Yet, for once, they were given an opening to talk about their home. Something that didn't happen often. Is it so selfish to take it? Is it so bad to desire the opportunity to share their likes and dislikes from their world? Would anybody even understand?
A few minutes passed as they thought about their response. After choosing their words carefully, they began their explanation, "Depends on how you define 'different'. In many ways, it is. For example, we have much faster ways to travel. A distance that may take weeks here would take hours in my homeland. It makes the world feel much smaller because distances don't take as long to traverse, and everyone is able to communicate faster through our technology. I could talk to someone in real time on the other side of the world without us being in the same physical location. The technological differences are night and day."
"But," they continued, "The feelings that the people of my world feel are the same. Cultural values differ based on the country, but aren't all worlds like that? People laugh and cry. They suffer. They live and they die. People fight. Wars happen. This happens everywhere, regardless of the world."
Seliph took a moment to ponder what the Summoner stated. To imagine such forms of travel, capable of traversing such long distances so fast, it is almost inconceivable to the young lord. Then the fast forms of communication, it was also very difficult to understand. The expression he had on his face made the summoner chuckle.
"I've overwhelmed you, haven't I? I figured this would happen the moment I spoke about it. I'm sorry about that," Kiran jokingly apologized, their voice betraying the hint of sadness in their voice.
Seliph quickly shook his head back and forth, quickly saying, "No, no, my apologies. I didn't mean to make it seem like that. It's just, forgive me for assuming, aren't you homesick?"
Kiran thought for moment about their decision to remain distant from the Heroes. To be the infallible tactician they are expected to be. Lying is smart in certain situations, but this isn't one of them. Part of being a leader is being someone they can confide in. Someone they can respect. And maybe even be vulnerable.
The summoner looked at him and shrugged, "Of course I am. I was summoned here to be the 'Great Hero' and tactician for the Order. There's no telling when the fighting will end and I will be allowed, if such a way exists, to return home. Do you miss your homeland?" That last sentence was spoken to deflect the conversation away from the uncomfortable territory they were standing on.
Seliph twirled his hands in his lap as he reminisces about his home, "I do. I sometimes miss the days growing up in Tirnanog. I remember that peaceful time fondly. The Empire's reach never quite reached that town. But I must be honest, I have found that I am enjoying my time here. I am surrounded by so many inspiring people, like you."
The sun had fully set, and some of the servants had lit the few lamps that scatter around the outside of the castle. Meanwhile, the conversation between the Heroes continued.
Kiran gave an audible gasp, a stronger reaction that one would expect from the Summoner who tries their hardest to maintain a calm facade. Their expression was one of disbelief and shock. "I… uh. I am honored that you would say that. But I don't think I have done anything to warrant such high praise like that. I'm just a tactician, and a novice one at that. I'm no 'Great Hero'. I'm selfish. I fight because I've accepted that I don't have a choice in the matter. I mean, I do care about Askr, I really do but…," they rambled on.
"… It wasn't the life you would have chosen, had you been given the choice," Seliph guessed.
Kiran took a deep breath before correcting themselves, "I'm sorry. That was out of line. I shouldn't burden you like that. I shouldn't have said I only fight because I don't have a choice in the matter."
Seliph shook his head, "Please don't be sorry. The pressure of being a leader can be very overwhelming. It is a feeling I can relate to. Here, take one of Julia's cookies." He handed them a sugar cookie.
Kiran's panic stopped, and they laughed at the absurdity of it. A cookie was so off topic. They laughed in shock as they responded, "Thanks, I needed that." They silently munched on the cookie as the lord continued.
"It's actually why you inspire me. You carry that burden of the Order on your shoulders. There is so much work that you do that is above and beyond your normal duties. Your courage and resilience in the face of this situation is inspiring. It inspires me to become stronger, to become the kind of king my friends and allies would be proud of," Seliph finished. He picked up one of the cookies to eat.
The summoner was speechless. They both ate a few more cookies until Kiran spoke, "You know, I believe you have what it takes. I'm no royalty so I don't know much about governing. As I said, I don't feel like a 'Great Hero'. What I have learned is this: always continue learning, be willing to admit and correct your mistakes, and have friends to support you." They spoke the next part jokingly, "It seems as though I haven't always followed my own advice. I have been a bit closed off at times."
Seliph chuckled, as he heard the Summoner self-deprecate themselves so humorously. He responded, "It is good advice that I will keep in mind. You have opened up quite a bit since this conversation started. I never realized how much of a conversationalist you are."
Kiran shrugged as they responded, "I'm just nervous in large groups. It's overwhelming. I admire your ability to understand people. You read me so well. I didn't expect it."
Seliph looked up at the now starry sky as he recalled the memory standing on a beach south of Chalphy castle, "The spirit of my father once visited me, after I killed Arvis, my father's killer. He told me a ruler must know the sorrows of the people and that there is always more than one truth in a situation. I am still learning how to apply the advice my father gave me. You are someone who was put in a situation beyond your control. While I didn't wish to assume how you felt, I knew you couldn't have it easy."
Kiran smiled. They made a decision, then and there. "First," Kiran started, "allow me to express condolences at what happened to your father. Second, I promise you that if I ever manage to summon Sigurd, and he chooses to join the Order, I will immediately take him to meet you. Summoning is completely random, so I am unsure of when it will happen, if it ever will. Does that sound like a promise you would like?"
Seliph sat straighter as he nodded happily, "Of course! I understand if it never happens, but I will greatly appreciate the kind gesture, Summoner."
Kiran brought their hand up to say more, "Oh and one more thing, if you would like, you may call me Kiran. If you don't want to, it is okay. Most call me Summoner out of respect, but it really doesn't matter to me either way. I'm much less formal than I try to appear."
Seliph put his hand to his chin to ponder for a moment. He finally replied, "I will do that, Kiran. Thank you for engaging with me in this conversation tonight."
From the dim light of the lamps, Kiran could just see the time on their watch. It was getting late by now, if the starry sky hadn't made it obvious. They jokingly responded, "It was no problem. I enjoy being bribed into conversation with cookies. I'll have to thank Julia next time I see her."
Seliph chuckled at his now cheerful leader sitting beside him. The walls that Kiran put up seemed down, like they felt comfortable enough to do so. He didn't feel as though he were sitting beside just a leader though. He was sitting beside a friend and he hoped they would agree.
"Hey, Kiran?"
Kiran's mouth had another cookie in it, so they simply said, "Hmm?"
He took a deep breath, hoping to put it in words correctly, "From always helping me out when I was summoned, to our conversation tonight, you've always encouraged me to be the best I can be. I was wondering if you would consider me a friend?"
Kiran chuckled, followed by a yawn, which almost caused them to choke on the cookie. After a bout of coughing, they replied, "I do. You've reminded me of how much I enjoy deep conversations with friends. It's something I have deprived myself of in the effort to meet everyone's expectations. I need to follow my own advice. Now, it's getting really late and we both have long days tomorrow. Xander will kill me if I'm too tired during my training session tomorrow."
"Of course. I hear Prince Xander's training sessions are, how do I put it politely, brutal," Seliph replied, having flashbacks to training sessions with Shannon. He stood up held out his hand for Kiran, which his friend gladly took to get up, taking their meal bag in the other.
Some loud noises interrupted their good byes.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Bam! Boom! Cling!
Aieee! Woah!
Kiran physically facepalmed. "It seems as though I'm back on Summoner duty. I wonder what those Heroes could be doing at this hour," Kiran sighed.
"Allow me to assist," Seliph offered, as he begun to get a glimpse into what his leader dealt with daily.
"Thank you, Seliph. I may need it," Kiran replied, rolling her eyes at the sheer insanity they felt themselves being dropped back into. As the duo ran to the source of the racket, Kiran's last thoughts were,
Another part of being a leader is dealing with overgrown toddlers.
I don't own Fire Emblem.
Seliph was one of the first Heroes I summoned in Fire Emblem Heroes after the ones they give you at the start of the game. I recently got around to finishing his game: Genealogy of the Holy War. After completing the game, I thought a lot about Seliph and how he really isn't interested in being a king. He wanted to free Judgral from the Empire's grasp, sure, but he wasn't interested in kingship and only did so out of duty.
That brought Kiran, the summoner to mind. They were in a situation beyond their control and became duty bound to help Askr. This is a situation that is very bad for them, as Book 3 shows that they can die unlike the heroes they can summon.
I loosely based Kiran's behavior in this one-shot on how I think I would've reacted. Kiran is justifiably frustrated, and they feel guilty at how resentful they are. They felt obligated to help originally because they have no choice in the matter. Eventually, they come to make friends with the Heroes and find a silver lining to their situation. Kiran's shell opening up is something I would do, even if I was initially annoyed at the interruption of my quiet time. Especially if cookies are involved. That's how this story took a more humorous turn, one that I was not expecting. Kiran ended up behaving a bit like Venti from RF4, someone who tries to be formal but is actually super casual. That's why their dialogue gradually became less formal as they opened up in the one on one interaction with Seliph.
This story was mainly to draw parallels between their duties. Seliph, being the firstborn son of the Empress, is expected to take over as the new King of Granvalle after Julius's defeat. Kiran, a random person from the real world, is expected to be a tactician and leader after being effectively kidnapped and thrown into that position. They are duty bound for different reasons.
I had difficulty writing Seliph, especially with his dialogue. I did the best I can do represent him in the best way could. I used his Heroes' dialogue as inspiration for some of what he says. I also wrote this in one night when I should have been sleeping. How did I do? Please give me feedback!