Darius bit his lips. He looked like he didn't know what to make of Nasir. Loiya looked at him but then turned his attention towards Kaetar and his injuries. The prince was still bleeding, slowly but surely. He was also sure that his knee was bleeding on the account that it felt strangely warm but he didn't check it out since the injuries occurred. He wouldn't say it again but he had better be bleeding for all the pain he felt.

"I'm Darius and that's Loiya," the raven answered, his voice smoothed and practiced. However, his body language betrayed him. He chewed his lips and kept his hands in his coat pockets, signs of nervousness in other people – Darius couldn't be much different. He knew something that Kaetar and Loiya seemed to have missed, something that put it him on edge.

Nasir folded his arms in front of his chest. "You can relax, Darius. You must all be part of a rebellion of sorts, are you not? Crimea is on the verge of a civil war and no one would go there to simply visit."

"You're not wrong," Loiya mumbled. Nasir suddenly produced a vulnerary and handed it to Loiya.

"Did you-"

"I could smell it on him," he answered. Loiya dumped the vulnerary onto Kaetar's hands, making him gasp in surprise.

"You didn't need to dump it out! I just needed it to be dabbed on!" Kaetar shouted. Something unroyal rubbed off on him in the last several months. He never really cared about saving and reserving supplies until they hit in the road, where it immediately became important. It the complete opposite of castle life, where they could always just get more. At least, that was the way he lived.

"I didn't use all of it!"

"It's fine. I don't need it."

"What about my knee now?"

"You hurt your knee too? Pull up your pant leg," Loiya mumbled. Kaetar pulled it up and found that his knee wasn't bleeding at all. It was red and the skin was flaky but it wasn't bleeding. He was disappointed and while his knee hurt he was able to walk back to the boat with everyone else. The trip, for the most part, was silent. No one seemed to know how to react with Nasir and it seemed like he was in the same situation. Perhaps he was thinking. Kaetar wasn't chatty when he was thinking either, unless he was thinking out loud.

Syrin was back on deck when they found him. He had a book on his lap and turned his head up to the group when they came in. When his eyes fell on Nasir, his expression went from neutral to a strange mixture of surprise and confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"As out going as ever, I see. I was invited here by Kaetar," Nasir answered. "I'm not asking for your trust, Syrin. My reasons for going to Crimea is simply to observe the situation for my King. Nothing more."

Syrin stared at him for a while longer and sighed. "You better stay quiet."

Nasir chuckled. "As you wish, Syrin."

"You two know each other?"

"Is not painfully obvious?" Syrin scowled.

Kaetar left it at that. Syrin didn't seem willing to speak to anyone anymore and Nasir was sworn to secrecy but Kaetar didn't need it. He went below deck and consulted his journal. Nasir knew both Syrin and Soren. Soren and Syrin seemed to have a lot in common and he was beginning to doubt that the similarities where coincidences. For one, the names were similar and only differed by two letters. Soren was obviously close to Ike and Syrin was leading an entire rebellion to restore Ike's image, which meant demoting him but Ike didn't seem to be the type that would mind all that much. Then to top it off, Syrin had incredible knowledge of history and no clear source of for this knowledge – unless he lived through it.

As Soren.

Why did it take him so long to figure it out? Was it all because he didn't know what Soren looked like? At the same time, there wer a lot of clues. Maybe he was just slow. He stuffed his face into the pillow and sighed. It didn't help much that he knew Syrin's true identity – he didn't know much about Ike or Syrin as Soren, so he was stuck with him until Syrin confessed everything anyway. Sure, Kaetar had the necklace but Syrin was the only one would could fill the gaps between the visions. He was still dependent on Syrin!

"Kaetar? Are you okay?"

Kaetar removed his face from the pillow to find Loiya looking at him with concern.

"Fine."

"That didn't sound fine," Loiya mumbled. "You looked kind of angry going below deck..."

"I don't feel like explaining right now."

"Whatever you say. I'm all ears whenever you need to talk," Loiya mumbled with a soft smile.

"You're a good friend."

"I try," Loiya answered with a grin. "This trip was good for me too even though I'm going to be rather rusty when we get off the boat but I'm glad that I have friends outside of the Daein army."

Kaetar raised an eyebrow. What was that all about? Why did he bring that up all of a sudden?

"You were my only friend inside the castle. I didn't know Arianna very well and anyone I met on my adventures outside didn't end up staying with me. Father didn't let them. I hate to think of what would have happened if you weren't good enough," Kaetar mumbled.

Loiya frowned. "Me too. This job is important to me and my family. I'm the only one who has an income, so I don't even went to think about what it could have been."

"Are you still getting paid?"

"I never actually see the gold myself because one of the other captains delivers it. I suppose if they still believe that we are together then my parents would still be living off my income. It's hard to say."

If Kaetar knew that, he may not have left at all. He didn't want to endanger Loiya's family, especially since Loiya never got to see them. He was always with Kaetar or with the military if the king told him to But it was too late for them to turn back. Kaetar would always wonder what became of the rebellion if he didn't see it through to the end. He wouldn't forgive himself. What would he do if his life was in danger? He couldn't leave his father without an heir either.

"You could have told me that."

"Don't worry about it," Loiya mumbled. "That's why I didn't say anything when we left. I don't like people worrying about me."

"It seems like a lot of people are like that-"

"Guys!" Darius suddenly called out as he raced down the stairs.

"What is it?" Loiya mumbled, clearly unimpressed.

"Kaetar, you do know who you've invited right?" Darius asked, taking a seat on the floor. He was tall enough to be eye level with Kaetar, even on the floor.

"Nasir?"

"Nasir's a dragon," Darius said slowly.

"How can you tell?" Kaetar mumbled. He had no idea that Nasir was a laguz at all just by looking at him. He was a beorc, how was he supposed to know these things?

"Look at my ears. They're pointy! And then you look at Loiya's ears which are round. It's basically the only was you can tell without seeing the dragon mark," Darius explained as he tucked his hair behind his ears. Kaetar never really noticed his pointed ears, or maybe he had and forgot about it. He never noticed it on Nasir either.

"A dragon, huh?"

"I could feel the power. It made me so... uncomfortable," Darius mumbled with a shudder. "I kind of hate it. I'm not used to be around dragons and I hate being afraid. Is it weird to say that?"

"No. I hate being afraid too because I hate anyone looking down on me. I'm expected to keep a cool head in danger and if I don't..." Loiya sighed. Kaetar could understand how he felt. Loiya was younger than most people in the military and he had big shoes to fill. All of the older soldiers knew his father and have big expectations from his son. Loiya was always getting attention from the other soldiers from what Kaetar saw.

On the other hand, he would never have thought of Darius being afraid and hating himself for it. The raven was usually upbeat and chatty and the one thing that Kaetar would think of was confident. Nicholas was similar except for the fact that he was a beorc and didn't have the guilt that Darius did – or any guilt that Kaetar knew of. Nicholas had a traumatic past with being separated from his parents and all but that didn't seem to get him down. It was not difficult for Nicholas to see the good in a bad situation.

"Nasir seems kind though. I think you'll get used to him," Kaetar muttered, breaking the silence.

"Syrin didn't seem to like him," Loiya mumbled.

"Well that's because they know each other. Syrin's got a lot to hide and Nasir knows the truth about what he's tyring to hide. That's the only threat," Kaetar mumbled.

"Besides, if he's really bad, Nicholas would be an absolute terror with him with a good spell book. Dragons are particularly weak against thunder magic," Darius laughed. "I almost forgot about the fact that Nicholas can use magic. He doesn't cast much does he?"

"We haven't been in many battles. We've been trying to stay low because of our numbers so it's a good thing that we haven't battle much. If we can increase our numbers, then we'll be ready to charge into Melior," Loiya smirked. "We can't do much damage with two laguz, a soldier, a halberdier and a mage."

Kaetar figured he wasn't mention because of his bad aim. Just because he could make an arrow fly didn't mean that he was an archer. He also didn't mention Syrin but he would lousy in the battlefield – the strain of casting was too much for him to be of any use. He was barely a useful staff user. He was great once but now he seemed to be in a considerable amount of pain.

"Didn't beorc armies need skill at one point?"

"Commanders are responsible for teaching people how to fight and survive on the battlefield. It takes time to do that. So with fresh meat, then you need numbers. We could slaughter them all but they have more supplies and fresh people to replace exhausted ones. The biggest challenge would be skill and numbers, but those don't necessarily come together so quickly," Loiya explained, folding his arms in front of his chest.

"How did the Greil Mercenaries did it?" Kaetar asked.

"I don't know much about them, Kaetar. By the time they were through with Daein though, they had Crimean and Begnion soldiers with them back in the Mad King's War. That's the extent that I know of. Daein isn't all that fond of a Crimean based group that completely and utterly destroy Daein and forced us into Begnion oppression," Loiya growled, biting his lips.

"Shouldn't we be over that?" It was a century ago! Kaetar loved history but he wasn't going to let old things that were no longer relevant hold him back. It wasn't like there would be anyone alive that lived through Begnion's occupation of Daein. They had to look forward. Daein and Begnion shared resources and had there was no problems at the borders. There was no reason to hate Begnion and the current people.

"Probably but the military is full of Daein pride. I guess some of it rubbed of on me," Loiya answered with a shrug.

"You better watch out, Loiya. He's already planning what he'll do once he gets the throne!" Darius laughed.

"I don't know if I should be afraid or not," Loiya mumbled.

"At least he's not Syrin, right?" Darius smirked.

Kaetar probably would have joined the teasing before he found Nasir but now he didn't think it was so funny. Syrin went through a lot, especially if he felt that changing his name would help him. Or perhaps he shouldn't just assume things.

"There you go again! Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Loiya mumbled, any trace of the joking from before completely gone. Did Kaetar have a look on his face that he wasn't aware he was making? Or was it the fact that he didn't join in with the laughing?

"Is he upset?"

"Yeah, but he's not willing to talk about it," Loiya answered with a sigh. "It bothers me when he's like that!"

"Sorry, I was just thinking," Kaetar mumbled. "I appreciate the concern though."

"What do you have to be upset over? Sure Syrin doesn't like Nasir but he's a pretty good catch even if he doesn't battle," Darius mumbled.

"You're not going to get it out of him right now. Maybe we should find the girls and Nicholas or get something to eat in the very least. Are you coming, Kaetar?" Loiya asked as he began to head towards the deck.

"Nah, I think I'm going to take a nap. Can you bring me some fruit or something for me to eat later?" Kaetar asked as he threw the blankets over himself. Maybe a nap would get his mind off of things if he took the necklace off. But then where would he put it? He couldn't lose it. He debated about letting Darius hold it but for some reason, that didn't feel like it was the best answer. Maybe he wouldn't get another vision. The bodyguard and the raven left quickly, leaving Kaetar to wonder if they heard his request at all.

While Kaetar had the full intentions of taking a nap and taking it easy until he was sure that he was fully recovered from the stairs. He felt fine but he also saw injuries that seemed to come back with a vengeance – not on his person but from the soldiers themselves. Once when Loiya was fifteen and Kaetar was only fourteen, the prince followed him all the way to the main military base where the majority of the soldiers were trained. The bodyguard was in an eager mood and it showed – his battles that day were rash and he made many strange decisions that Kaetar couldn't understand to this day, such as the decision to go with a weapon that was far too large and heavy for him and his decision to go without his armour. It was in one of these battles that Loiya was cut in the side by a myrmidon's sword.

It bothered him for a good week, even though it was closed with a heal staff. Whenever Loiya thought that he was doing better, he would somehow irritate it again by doing everyday activities. Though Kaetar had no tears in his skin, he could have injuries that he couldn't see. His head in particularly worried him. He could slowly being bleeding to death and he wouldn't know it until it was too late. Was it strange to be that anxious?

He was torn from his thoughts by the sudden appearance of Nasir. He was alone, making Kaetar wonder if the dragon decided to come to talk to him. He didn't know Nasir very well so he didn't know what business Nasir had with him, unless he was checking on him from his sudden desire to go downstairs.

"Do you need something?" Kaetar asked.

"A quick word, if you don't mind. Syrin is worried that you may not keep his true identity a secret."

Kaetar didn't know if he should be freaked out or impressed that Syrin knew that he knew. His reaction was probably obvious to Nasir and Syrin but Loiya would have no idea. All the bodyguard knew was that something was bothering the prince. If Nicholas, Ema and Misha had been there, he doubted they would know as well. He didn't know where Darius stood in the all situation. The prince knew that Darius had participated in the last wars – something that the raven felt rather guilty about – but he didn't know the extent of it. If Syrin came across a raven on the field, he could have very well have ran in Darius or the raven spotted Syrin from somewhere else. Who knew what was in their past other than the men themselves?

"His worry is unnecessary," Kaetar answered.

"As I thought but it isn't unlike Syrin to be a little paranoid," Nasir mumbled, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "You know, there would be a reason for him to abandon his name. It's not an easy feat for anyone to abandon a name that they've grow used to."

"So he would prefer it if I stilled used the name Syrin."

Nasir nodded. "He's always had his secrets, as everyone does. I'm surprised that his blood his no longer much of a concern for him."

"He said he was going to Grann alone. He couldn't keep it a secret after that. He can't suddenly leave us alone in Bengion and expect everyone to stay with him afterwards."

"I see. The relations between beorc and laguz have come along way but the Branded are still not understood. It makes it difficult to build proper relationships. No one understands why the laguz parent always lose their ability to transform and if it has always been the case. However, it doesn't change the fact that Syrin's heritage should still be kept a secret from everyone else."

"I understand," Kaetar mumbled quietly.

"Good," Nasir mumbled before leaving. Kaetar was once again alone with his thoughts and he still wasn't tired. Regardless, he put his head on the pillow and closed his eyes.

The team was united in the evening and everyone was introduced to Nasir. Nicholas surprised everyone by getting Ema to wear a blue tunic with black pants that went past her knees but with her boots on, there was barely any skin showing on her legs. However, Kaetar didn't know if she would keep it or just switch to her jumpsuit again. Nicholas also purchased clothing for Misha. She wore a red tunic with black pants and a yellow sash around her waist.

Kaetar was spoken for but even he had to admit that the girls looked attractive, despite the fact that he was youngest one on the boat. Nicholas didn't get anything himself but he seemed pleased with the results of the shopping trip.

Apparently, Loiya and Darius did hear his request for fruit and brought him a strange assortment of red, spiky fruit that he never saw before. Loiya had to cut the fruit in half and Kaetar used a spoon to eat the middle. It was surprisingly good. It was like nothing he ever tasted before.

The fun ended when Syrin came through the bunks with a scowl on his face.

"He has that face again," Nicholas mumbled. "Willing to share?"

"I can't believe we're spending a night here instead of sailing. The crew is here and sober so there is no reason for delay!" the leader scowled.

"Are we really in such a rush to get to Begnion? I'm sure we can relax for one night," Misha muttered with a huff.

"Yes! The longer we wait here the worse it gets in Crimea. We need to recruit more help as soon as possible before it becomes more than we can handle," Syrin growled.

"Yeah but the only ones that caused any trouble were you guys! Otherwise, no one else dared to make a move like you did and I highly doubt that they would in your absence! We can relax for the night!" the female soldier countered.

Syrin didn't respond.

Kaetar found himself to be quite surprised. He didn't think anyone would speak against Syrin and if anyone would, he didn't think it would Misha. However, Misha knew the perspective of the other side – she would know how the rebellion stood in the bigger picture. Syrin and Misha both had experience, just from different places.

"Look, all I'm saying is that you need to relax a little. This stress can't be good for you."

"Telling Syrin to relax is like telling the sky that it should rain in the desert. It would probably be a good idea but it's not going to happen. I don't think it's in him to relax," Darius mumbled with a shrug.

"Not too long ago, Darius, you were rather tense yourself," the bodyguard jeered.

"And look at me now! Nice try, Loiya!"

"I wasn't trying anything!" Loiya shouted back.

"You were trying to make me look like a hypocrite but I forgive you," Darius laughed.

Somehow, throughout the exchange Syrin managed to escape from everyone's sight. He was no where to be seen and that's the way the leader would have it after letting Misha have the last word. Kaetar wouldn't call it losing an argument because Syrin did have a point. They couldn't delay for long – not because the prince thought that it would get out of control but rather because the rebellion would lose momentum. Even with Syrin's friends, they needed the citizens to participate too. The soldiers could take on single people or small groups but they couldn't take on the Crimean population.

But if there was one thing that Kaetar learned from Loiya it was that exhausting themselves was not the answer either. Loiya completely brunt himself out once and the migraines back in Daein probably stemmed from exhaustion to some degree as well. It was in his bodyguard to try too hard sometimes.

It was difficult to be in the middle!

"So if we're spending the night here anyway, why are on the boat? We could be at an inn!" Nicholas suddenly asked.

"It's up to Kaetar – unless you have more money that we didn't know about," Loiya answered.

"I'm broke now. Besides, it wasn't like I could afford a room for everyone so you don't have to look hurt on Kaetar's behalf!"

"I don't mind sleeping on a decent bed for one night. I'm in!" Kaetar answered with a grin. The rebel team quickly left the boat and back in the port town. It wasn't difficult to find the inn and without the knowledge of the captain or Syrin, Kaetar paid for the rooms and settled in. He got a double room with Loiya while everyone else opted to spend the night by themselves – completely understandable for those who shared a room with several others for several days. If Loiya didn't have a job to do Kaetar would have slept by himself. The only one who didn't have an excuse was Darius who could have left at any point.

Though Loiya and Kaetar were together in the same room, they were silent. Kaetar wasn't in a talkative mood and all Loiya wanted to know was what was wrong. If Kaetar had any ideas about telling Loiya about the Syrin, they disappeared quickly after his talk with Nasir. If the prince said anything, he was sure he would end up dead somewhere. Syrin was one of the Greil Mercenaries – in other words, he was not a push over, even with an injury like his.

Loiya fell asleep quickly. It was unusual for him to fall asleep first; he usually waited until Kaetar was asleep or at least falling asleep before he finally slept himself, assuming that he did sleep. Maybe he was feeling ill again and refused to tell anyone. It wasn't too unlike him to do something like that.

When Kaetar woke up, he was being carried over Darius' shoulder. He didn't have much of a shoulder to lend when it came to his wings; Kaetar was sure that he could taste a feather in his mouth. His only guess as that someone got to impatient and couldn't wait for the prince to wake up first.

It was probably Syrin.

"I'm awake now," Kaetar mumbled, spitting the feather out of his mouth as he did so.

"Did you eat a feather?" Ema asked as Darius let him down.

"No, I spat it out," Kaetar mumbled with a scowl.

"Fine, I will never hold you over the shoulder again. You were asleep so I went with what was the easiest way for me to carry you," the raven answered with a shrug.

"And we tried to wake you weren't responding so we carried you," Loiya answered before Kaetar could get a chance to ask.

"So we're leaving now, right?"

"Yup! Back to the sea!"