Kaetar grew used to the constant rocking of the boat only to be introduced to an strangely familiar problem; absolute boredom. He didn't feel it was safe for him to practice his archery, not everyone wanted to talk all the time, and without visions the prince often found himself simply staring at the sea which was also boring. The sea looked stunning the first couple of times but slowly, it just turned into a blue vast that he cared little about anymore. It reminded him of his time spent in Nevassa at times until he realized it was much worse - he couldn't get off the boat no matter how much he wanted to.

"Goldoa?" he heard Syrin ask. He sounded vaguely confused. Kaetar's eyes found him instantly. Syrin was speaking with the ship's captain.

"Yes! We don't have much food and water to work with so we need to stop at Goldoa. They have a small port that we can use."

"Since when?"

"The port's been around for twenty years! We have you been? Under a rock?"

Syrin simply looked angry. As far as Kaetar knew, Syrin spent his time in Crimea, far away from Goldoa and away from the politics that didn't concern him. Kaetar didn't know much of Goldoa but he knew of Kurthnaga. He seemed to be a kind ruler from what he could remember but he didn't know much about him beyond that. However, he did know about Goldoa's open border policies as his father told him about it once, though he never heard it from Kurthnaga himself because he never saw the rulers much before until the day he fainted in front of them.

"I've been in Crimea which is on the verge of a civil war. I have more important things to worry about than a small port town in Goldoa of all places. Do as you wish. You are the captain after all," Syrin snapped back before retreating below deck.

Kaetar watched with vague amusement. A little bit of drama wasn't bad and news of going to Goldoa was exciting.

"We can spend a night on land once we get there, right?" Kaetar asked from his sitting position. The captain turned around, clearly surprised.

"I don't know you were there, bud. But of course! Even I want to feel land for a couple of hours, ya know?"

"Sounds good! I'm so bored!"

"Hey! And why's that?"

"I guess I don't have the same appreciation for boats. I'm a Daein noble. I don't go on boats often... or at all, really," Kaetar murmured with a shrug.

"A noble! That explains a lot! Of course you would be bored!" the captain laughed.

"I think I'm going to go take a nap though. Wake me up when we get to Goldoa!" Kaetar mumbled, moving up from his position on the deck. He was struck with sudden dizziness as he went down the stairs. He went to grab for a rail but missed it entirely. He remembered his knees buckling as his vision melted into Soren's.

Soren was staring at a man. He looked to be beorc but there was something odd about him. He pointed ears, aqua blue hair, and he seemed tanned. It was snowing wherever they were but to him, it look vaguely like Daein but he never did go to the country side.

"Soren? What are you doing here?" the man asked.

"What are you planning?" Soren asked suddenly.

"Where did that come from? I have no idea what you're talking about," he answered quietly, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Don't play dumb with me. We're past that. Gallia's decision to join in this war was based on some new information they received, wasn't it?" Soren mumbled, pointing a finger at the stranger.

The other man didn't respond.

"Cat got your tongue?" Soren smirked. "Fine. I'll tell you what you've been doing here... You were to deliver Princess Crimea to Begnion to see if she could garner any support for her cause. And-regardless of whether she got that assistance or not-to judge if she was worthy of laguz support. Am I wrong?"

"If you've figured all of this out, why remain silent?" he asked, his face serious.

Soren took a deep breath. "Because your actions were beneficial to Princess Crimea. I determined that even if left to your own devices, you would not harm the princess."

This time, the man smirked and while Soren stood his ground, there was something that seemed different. "It sounds like you don't think that's the case anymore."

"You accomplished both missions, but you've come back anyway," Soren mumbled, his eyes set on the stranger. To what end?"

"I don't have to explain myself to you."

"That's true only until I reveal your purpose to Ike!" Soren threatened.

"Everyone has a secret or two that he wants to bury somewhere deep. Including you... Soren..."

Soren took a step back. He could feel Soren tense, his heart bumping harder. "...I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, I trust that we understand each other," he smirked, turning has back towards Soren. "The army rises early tomorrow. I suggest we turn in."

"The enemy knew we were coming today."

"And you think I'm responsible?"

"Yes, I do."

"My, oh, my... You really ARE suspicious, aren't you?" he muttered he he began walking away. "Good night, Soren."

Kaetar came back with a headache. He normally didn't feel so beaten up after a vision – a little bit of dizziness was normal but the entire world was still spinning in addition to his headache. Actually, his entire body hurt.

"Kaetar, are you alright?" Loiya asked. He was bent down next to him.

"What happened?"

"You fell down the stairs. You must have hit your head on the way down," Loiya muttered quietly. "Gah... I'm sorry, I don't think there's much anyone can do for you, Kaetar. You'll just have to rest and hope it passes over."

"You're a bad doctor," Kaetar mumbled slowly.

"Well, it's a good thing I'm not a doctor, then, eh?" Loiya chuckled. His injuries were probably nothing – he'll probably get better with some rest but he couldn't help but to feel scared. He couldn't control when he had a vision. How was he going to protect himself from visions happening at the wrong time? Even if he was proficient with the bow and arrow, he could get a vision and that could kill him. Wouldn't it be safer if he was never on the battlefield in the first place?

"Did you see Syrin?" he asked quietly.

"He looked... angry. It was kind of scary," Loiya answered with a light shiver.

"Did you know that Goldoa has open borders?"

"I thought all countries did."

"Father says Goldoa used to be completely isolated. Only dragon laguz were allowed in Goldoa and as far I know they weren't allowed to leave. It was closed. It was like that for a long time until King Kurthnaga took over. I don't think Syrin knew that. He was surprised when the captain said we were going to Goldoa. He probably lived when the borders were closed. He is a branded and he probably didn't know better because he was in Crimea and that is far away from Goldoa and if he didn't go on boats-"

"Kaetar... calm down, you're starting to ramble," Loiya interjected. "You should rest."

His bodyguard got up and left. He thought he heard Misha asking about his well being, but he wasn't sure. He closed his eyes but sleep wouldn't come. His mind was still racing with thoughts of the vision. Kaetar wasn't a stranger to new characters but whoever the newest man was, he was important. Soren didn't trust him and he did something that was suspicious to Soren. Kaetar had a feeling that the stranger did more than just tell the enemies they were coming. There had to something else.

Just what did he do?

"You would think that if Daein was seriously looking for us, they would send the wyverns. The wyverns are the pride of Daein army," Loiya muttered during dinner. Syrin was there and actually eating – a rare sight for sure. He didn't eat much and when he did, it wasn't generally in the company of the small group. Everyone seemed surprised when he showed up at the table with Ema's support. She took a seat beside him.

"I thought they weren't always yours though," Misha muttered in response.

"That would be correct. There were a lot of wyvern riders that turned to Daein from Begnion," Syrin answered simply.

"Well, Bengion has the pegaus knights, so we have our wyverns. It's just as well, isn't it?" Kaetar muttered. He was personally proud of the wyvern riders – they were a true terror in the skies. His father never travelled by carriage. He would put on some armour along with a helmet to conceal his identity and would travel with his own wyvern, Revvi. He would also travel with four additional riders. He didn't know where his father learned to ride one, but he saw his father take off more than once and Kaetar found himself envious every time. Kaetar actually always wanted his own wyvern for travelling but his father never allowed it. Kaetar could see why.

"All I care about is they make the sky a busy place. It was terrible in the wars to have to look out for winged ponies and tiny dragons in the sky, especially if they were fighting against you," Darius chuckled.

"Who is tougher though?" Loiya growled.

"It just depends on training. I guess as far as new recruits goes, a wyvern is tougher because the peagusi are particularly vulnerable, but against two veterans that's anyone's guess. I wouldn't touch a Holy Knight and I wouldn't touch a scary looking wyvern either," Darius answered with a shrug.

"Which means it doesn't matter where you come from!" Misha growled.

"Why are you so upset?" Loiya mumbled. "I'm proud of my country just as you are proud of yours."

"I'm just bothered by the fact that you think your wyverns are the best just because they are Daein. Such pride is annoying," Misha mumbled.

"Like you're not prideful of Crimea," the bodyguard countered.

"You two fight like a beorc and a laguz before the wars," Ema mumbled with an amused smile. "Or like a married beorc couple. I heard that they are also particularly vicious battles. I don't think even I would get caught in one of those."

"Yes, yes they are," Nicholas noted. He was quiet again and looked to be deep in thought. He was usually the source for the senseless chatter that calmed everyone down. He could talk about things that would get their mind off life for a while. Maybe he was quiet because Syrin was around; he had that affect on people. Perhaps he was deep in thought.

"What were you saying about us?" Kaetar suddenly asked.

"OH! It was about how I don't think your father is really looking for us. I mean, he could just send a fleet of wyvern riders to tear Tellius apart if he really wanted us to return but he hasn't tried any of that!"

No, his father hasn't tried anything like that as far as Kaetar knew. They knew Daein wyvern riders and they would know if they saw one. There was no way that a wyvern rider could see them without someone seeing the rider, especially with laguz around. Yet, Kaetar couldn't relax knowing that his father could possibly be looking for them and has the means to do so. It was simply too odd for his father to stay quiet, especially when his only heir was out in the world in a dangerous time to be out in the world. Granted, he wouldn't be in Crimea soils in a while, but he knew what else could happen?

The world was a dangerous place. Syrin's arm was a reminder of that.

"I highly doubt that Daeins would find us out here and the only time they could sneak up on us is if they were civilian dress," Syrin mumbled quietly. "I have no doubts that Daein would be looking for you, or at least planning to but with the situation in Crimea they may have decided to hold back and wait. No one outside of Crimea would know the full situation and it would be foolish of Daein to try to search for you in that chaos."

"What about the -"

"The wyverns? Daein wyverns caught outside of Daein would get Daein into trouble, whether it be from Crimea or from Begnion. It would make everybody nervous," Syrin continued, rolling his eyes. He had a comment about everything.

"You two should relax a little! Between Ema and I, no one will be sneaking up on us!" Darius chuckled. Nicholas smiled next.

"And we could cut your hair if you're worried."

"That would include both of you, wouldn't it? I mean, if they don't recognize Kaetar at first but they recognize Loiya..." Misha began. She looked like she wasn't sure if she should be smiling or if she should be serious. Kaetar himself wasn't so sure what Darius and Nicholas found to be particular amusing – or if they're just amusing themselves – but he felt to be more or less in the same boat.

Kaetar instinctively ran a finger through his hair. It was knotted and went way past his neck – perhaps he was due for a hair cut. Loiya's hair was also getting pretty long. He couldn't remember the last time either of them had a haircut.

"You're good at that, right?"

"Don't worry about it! I haven't cut anyone in a long time!"

"Sounds assuring," Syrin muttered bitterly.

"I know what I'm doing, Syrin," Nicholas answered back. "I'll cut Loiya's hair if you want to rest up a bit. You look a little shaky there."

When Kaetar woke up again, he found Loiya with his hair cut already. He almost didn't recognize him. On his left, his hair was very short but on the right, it seem that most of the length was maintained but styled differently. His hair was swept just above his right eye and curled around his face. The only thing working against him was his complexion.

"Did Nicholas do that?"

"I told him to. I figure it would take a while for anyone to recognize me!" Loiya smirked and ran his fingers over his hair. "I kind of like it, actually. It's different."

"If you hair doesn't grow out by the time we get back to Daein, you know that you'll be tied to a chair until someone will just cut it all off, right? Ugh, my father would hate it!"

Loiya shrugged. Chances were, they wouldn't return to Daein for a while yet anyway. Kaetar couldn't see the end to the war, especially with the two months in Begnion coming up after the day in Goldoa... heck, they wouldn't return to Crimea for a while. Hopefully, Syrin wouldn't take two months to travel to Grann and back. Perhaps he scheduled time for error.

"I'm going to tell Nicholas that you're awake now. You're getting a haircut whether you like it or not," Loiya mumbled quickly.

Kaetar groaned but managed to get himself out of bed without stumbling. He was feeling a lot better than he did before dinner so he felt that he could sit through a hair cut if Nicholas didn't take a long time with it. He would like have slept longer if he could. When he found Nicholas, the mage already had a chair set up and he was holding an old blanket. When Kaetar sat down, the mage wrapped the blanket around his shoulders to keep the hair off his clothes.

"Anything in particular or should I just cut it shorter?" Nicholas asked as he cleaned his dagger.

"Wait! You don't have scissors?" Kaetar asked, biting his lips.

"No! I left those behind because I didn't think I'd going on an a adventure. The only things I carry on me constantly is a needle and a couple of tomes. It would help a lot if I had them but all I have is this dagger from Loiya," Nicholas answered with a shrug. "I only cut him once though!"

"That doesn't make me feel any better!"

"Tough luck, I suppose. I already cut Loiya's hair. You have to commit."

"Darn," Kaetar mumbled as Nicholas sliced through his hair. "Just don't do to me what you did to Loiya. Just make it short, nothing else!"

"I got it! And I apologize in advance if I cut you. The boat isn't the best place to cut hair."

"Is that what happened to Loiya?"

"Yeah, we hit a big wave or something. You were in a deep sleep so I don't know if you felt it. Goodness knows that you needed it though after falling the stairs and all. Just what was that anyway?" Nicholas mumbled as Kaetar watched his hair fall around him. He felt a strange sadness about watching it, even though it was just hair. It would grow back. He would get used to his haircut. Yet why was he getting upset?

"I just suddenly felt dizzy," Kaetar mumbled. He wasn't comfortable enough with Nicholas to tell him about the necklace. He didn't want to entire group to know of it! Darius and Syrin knew of it, and he told Loiya but Kaetar didn't know if he remembered. It was all the way back in Daein when Kaetar explained it all to him.

"Hmmm... maybe you should get that checked out by a healer or something."

"I was back in Daein but they couldn't find anything to be worried about. I guess it's just something I'll have to live with it," Kaetar mumbled. It bothered him to be half-lying. It wasn't like what he said was a lie exactly – he was checked out and it is something he'll have to live with but only because he chose to. The necklace wouldn't give him visions if he didn't wear it – or at least he didn't think it would. How could it?

"I feel bad because you were trying so hard to be proficient in something for the battlefield. If you're going to have these fainting spells, then the battlefield is not a good place to be," Nicholas mumbled quietly.

"I was thinking the same thing... but the arrow may still work out. It's the only weapon where you don't have to be close to anyone to use. I could be away from the battlefield and still use it!"

"You need a strong arm and good aim for that. Or a crossbow, maybe?"

"A crossbow seems cheap though," Kaetar muttered. "I'm going to work up to that level. My aim is off and I'm not that strong but I'm tired of being useless. I don't want to be the one to be protected anymore. We can leave that to Syrin."

"I've always wondered how powerful Syrin was before his 'accident'. He can obviously use magic. Just how far do you think he was along his studies?"

"You mean whether he was a sage or archsage?"

Kaetar never thought of that. He knew their leader could cast but he never questioned it beyond that. It was odd for Kaetar to never question it – he liked to question everything.

"Your hair is done!" Nicholas mumbled as he stood back. "And look, I didn't cut you!"

Kaetar ran his fingers over his hair. His hair was short in the back but it was a little longer in the front. Nicholas seemed to keep his bangs but he parted it all to one side though the prince wasn't sure how long the part would last.

"Is there a mirror on board?"

"An actual mirror? Probably not. I would look at the dishes though, or maybe you'll find one in Goldoa," Nicholas answered with a shrug as he began wiping the knife blade off. "Do you want to give Loiya his dagger back?"

"Yeah, sure," Kaetar mumbled as he threw the blanket off, grabbed the dagger, and staggered to the bunks. He didn't know where Loiya was so if he wasn't in the bunks he wasn't going after him. He plopped down on his bed with the dagger in hand. He turned it in his hands and sighed. He would see Loiya later and he would give the dagger back then. In the mean time, he would write.

It was about the time when he finished recording his latest vision that the captain came down. Kaetar didn't know if the captain knew of his injuries, but if he did, he never showed it. "Hey kid, we've reached the port!"

Kaetar didn't care about his condition anymore. He followed the captain to the deck and onto dry land where everyone, including Syrin, was already gathered. Everyone else must have been on the deck, meaning that it would have made more sense for Nicholas to give Loiya his dagger back. If only they knew that though.

"I've looked through our supplies. We're running low on fresh water and dried meat. Dried fruits and vegetables would be beneficial as well. New linens wouldn't hurt either," Syrin mumbled to the captain.

"My men are getting the supplies. Our guests can enjoy the night here in Goldoa!"

The crew moaned. Misha looked to Nicholas.

"I'm personally going to see if there are any clothes around here. I've been stuck in my jumpsuit," Misha stated.

"I'll come with you! Hey, Ema! You should come along too!" Nicholas grinned, grabber for her wrist. For whatever reason, the cat didn't fight back and allowed herself to be dragged into town. Darius chuckled and patted both the prince and his bodyguard on the shoulders.

"Let's see if there's anything we can do here," the raven grinned.

The town was nothing like Port Toha, mainly because of the vast cultural difference. Everything seemed so refined, a surprise to find in a place far from of a capital. He saw the slums of the real world, even within Nevassa itself. To see a nice, clean town without signs of poverty was just... remarkably odd.

He followed behind Loiya and Darius as the spoke and conversed. Kaetar heard the words but he didn't process what they were saying. He didn't really care anyway. They only thing that he cared about was the fact that they were talking. Kaetar could remember when they first met Darius and Ema – Loiya would only speak to the raven out of necessity. His body guard couldn't trust Darius but Darius must have proven his worth to him. But when did that happen? Was it because of what happened at Duke Tyre's home or for bringing the prince back safe and sound? Whatever it was , the fact that they were talking pleased him.

He was torn away from his thoughts when he noticed someone odd. He caught a glimpse of aqua blue hair and decided to give chase. He had to talk to this man, even if he didn't know what he was going to say to him. He crept up slowly, hiding around the corners of buildings while he tried to clear his mind. He was excited to see the man but at the same time, what he could say that wouldn't be awkward? Kaetar couldn't exactly say that he wanted to talk because he saw him in a vision. He might be a prince but no one would know of his heritage unless Kurthnaga was in a small port town.

When the stranger began to gain ground away from him, the Prince jogged after him. His foot caught a slight change in elevation between the stones and he immediately found himself on the ground.

"And who might you be?" the man asked suddenly as Kaetar picked himself off of the ground and dusted his clothing. His knee hurt and his hands were bleeding. He felt his heart up pick in speed and he forced himself to sit down until it calmed down. His fear of blood was a stupid fear for someone who hoped to participate in battles. Could he even call it a fear?

"Name's Kaetar," he mumbled in response.

"Is that right?" he chuckled. "Care to explain why you were following me?"

"I thought I saw you before," Kaetar replied. It wasn't a lie – Kaetar did see him once because Soren seemed to know him.

"I would remember if I saw you. Where is it that you're heading?"

"To Begnion. A friend of mine is going to Grann to visit some more friends and then we're going to Crimea."

"How strange. Not everyone visits Grann and with the uncertainty of Crimea's state, that is also not the most pleasant of places to visit. Who is your friend, if you don't mind asking?"

Kaetar gulped. Should be telling this stranger about the journey? Didn't he already say too much?

"Syrin. He calls himself Syrin."

"Syrin? I see," he smirked. There was something about him that struck Kaetar as ise and all-knowing. Did he know Syrin as well? "If your trips ends up in Crimea, do you mind if I came along? I'm an observer and I wish to see what is going on in Crimea on behalf of our king. Would allow me to come along, seeing as you are headed to the same place?"

"I don't see why not. I'm sure you have something to offer to us. Syrin is always looking for help," the prince offered.

"I'm sure he is," the man mumbled quietly. Suddenly, there was shouting from behind them.

"KAETAR!"

"OVER HERE!" Kaetar shouted.

"Why did you run off like that?" Loiya asked as he and Darius approached him. The stranger merely folded his arms in front of his chest.

"Wait, who is that?" Darius asked, pointing at the man.

"My name is Nasir."

I have no excuses for taking so long and I'm not going to bore you with the details. Any reviews about the story/chapter is still welcomed, especially concerning typos and grammar mistakes.

Anyway! I'm going to open up and accept some OCs. I want to get a better representation of classes and I'm not super crazy about designing more characters with everything I have on my plate already.

Just some things to note about this: if you have an OC coming from outside of Crimea, they are responsible for joining up with the group in Crimea. There is still time for OCs from Begnion and Grann, but otherwise the story isn't taking a trip through Tellius. I will most likely skip the return trip so the group won't appear in Goldoa again.

Just fill out this form and either PM me or send it throw in a review (for this who are too lazy to login or don't have an account):

Name:
Race:
Age:
Gender:
Class:
Weapon: If applicable. I don't expect laguz to carry around an axe. In this case, just write N/A.
Country:
Background:
General Appearance:
How does your character find put about the rebellion?:
Are they fighting with or against Kaetar:?

Your character can be part of the Crimean Knights like Cameron (See Port Toha chapter if you forgot) or they can also be scouting units from Daein sent to retrieve Kaetar. I don't care. In fact, that would very cool to have some opposition!

The classes I'm sorely lacking include:

Cavalier
Myrmidon
Thief
Mage (excluding Thunder)
Priest/Cleric
Wyvern Rider
Peg. Knight
Fighter

These includes the promotions and I will gladly take those too. You may add characters that are not on the list, but I will prioritize characters on the list especially if I feel I need to make cuts. I'll let you know if something like that happens. Archer is not up there since I have plans for two more (yikes!).

Anyway, I hope you guys have fun this!