Fire And Ice

by Gallian Squad 7

After another skirmish with Muspel, the Order of Heroes has claimed a great prize. The question is, what are they going to do with that prize? What's Fjorm to think when the steady life she'd found gets rattled? What's Alfonse to do with a new responsibility? What's everyone to do with all this teasing material? (Has Fjorm as deuteragonist.)

2. Starting Out

Fire and Ice 2

Alrighty, who's ready for a new chapter?

*crickets*

Ok, only me then. Regardless, let's go have some fun with our trio of hapless lovebirds. Well, nearly lovebirds, I don't think Laevatein quite understands what that would mean.

Onwards!

Starting Out

Alfonse hadn't expected the response he got when the announcement of Laevatein's fate was given. It seemed like most of the Heroes were all for the idea and many of the skeptics pointed out that it was this exact strategy that had guided them to the light in the first place.

With that surge of confidence, Alfonse had spent the next few days going over a variety of locations and activities with Sharena and Anna, the Askrian women gleefully picking out a variety of festivals and events to take part in.

Alfonse, for his part, chose places known for their peace, beauty, and friendly people. While he was sure Laevatein had long been exposed to the cruelties of the world, it was high time she saw the other side of the coin.

He also knew Fjorm would love seeing the new sights, so it was a win-win if you asked him.

It was a recipe for disaster if you asked the more observant Heroes. Laevatein had groomed herself into a vision of exotic beauty after her bath, but with Alfonse not coming down to visit while deciding on their destinations, she was clearly upset.

As in there was the tiniest downturn of her lip. This was the Searing Steel after all.

Fjorm, in turn, was silently worrying herself into a nervous breakdown. The princess was comparing all kinds of dresses, shoes, accessories, and otherwise for the trip with eager advice from Gunnthra and a few others. Yes, she wouldn't be wearing it all on the road, but it drove the woman mad that everyone was making such a big deal out of this.

It also saddened her that Alfonse wasn't willing to share the plans with her, but she took solace in the disappointed gaze Laevatein gave the wall when Fjorm had gone to… check on her.

She wasn't spying, no matter what it looked like.

Despite these factors, most everyone had made plans to keep an eye on this party of three. If only so everyone could have a look at the potential bushfire and tease the group when the opportunity presented itself.

Alfonse, ignorant to these plans, found himself descending into the dungeons the night before departure, a special plate of food in hand. If they were going to keep their security up, Laevatein would have to be out cold when they left.

I hope she accepts the food. It's been a few days, so it wouldn't surprise me if I had to convince her again.

Sighing, Alfonse reached the bottom of the steps and found Hawkeye on guard. "She ready?"

Hawkeye nodded and waved to the cell. "Been staring at the wall after she got another bath. Just make it quick, we don't need the expedition leader falling asleep on his horse."

Alfonse nodded and strode for the cell, but damn near dropped the trey when he looked inside.

Laevatein did not have her hair in the usual split pigtails, instead tying it in a low ponytail that made her white hair flow like a river of pearl. The simple traveler's dress didn't hug her figure like the clothes she wore to battle, but the white and green drew the eye to her cocoa skin. Finally, sturdy boots and stockings covered her legs and feet, the expanse of black cloth and brown leather hugging the limbs.

Red eyes turned to meet his, a tiny twitch of her lips showing relief. "So… looks like you meant it."

"I'm a man of my word." Alfonse answered after snapping back to reality at her voice. "Though, I hope you don't mind the meager meal. Our supply shipment got delayed, so this is all we could do."

Laevatein regained her mask and stared at the trey that was passed through the bars. It had only a small bowl of oatmeal, cheese bread, an apple, and a salad.

For most prisons, a damn feast. In the Askran dungeons, this was strangely bare.

Alfonse shrugged when Laevatein gestured to the oatmeal. "I'm not so arrogant as to believe you don't know why I've brought this. Security concerns, as I'm sure you understand."

Laevatein stared at him then the food. "… Not surprising. If this is going to happen, then I guess I'll have to trust you… I won't wake up to a headman's axe, right?"

Alfonse chuckled and shook his head. "No, you won't. You'll wake to a horse's back and lots of green along with good company."

"There'll be a lot of learning for all involved."

Laevatein's gaze shifted to something Alfonse would dare call predatory. In fact, he could see her scanning him head to toe for a moment before taking hold of the apple and biting.

"I… look forward to learning all I can."

Alfonse swallowed his trepidation and bowed to the princess. "As do I, Princess Laevatein. Please, have a good night."

Laevatein let a sultry tone enter her voice. "You as well… Prince Alfonse."

The poor prince barely kept a blush from his face as he fled the dungeons, Laevatein returning to her stoic mask as she began to eat the sedative laced food.

"Laying it on a bit thick, yeah?"

Laevatein stared at Hawkeye but didn't answer. The large man sighed before shrugging. "Just saying. If your goal somehow became going for his groin, you'll have to be a lot subtler. Guy doesn't do well with the direct approach."

Laevatein had a hint of suspicion enter her gaze. "Why… would you share that? Why offer advice?"

Hawkeye didn't budge at the intense look. "The kid's still wet behind the ears, even if he's had to make some sacrifices. I'd prefer that your intentions are good for him, so that's why I offer the advice. If you care, you'll listen, but if you don't listen, you don't care. Think on that after you wake up."

Laevatein didn't get a word in before her eyes drooped. She attempted to fight the sedative, if only to get answers, but she was soon leaned against the wall and breathing deeply.

"Damn strong stuff." Hawkeye muttered as he grabbed the keys on the wall next to him. "Note to self, never piss off the healers, especially that kid Maria."

Innocent on the outside, mad alchemist on the inside. Poor Minerva and Michalis, they had no idea what lurked in the mind of their baby sister.

-Morning-

The preparations were complete.

Alfonse and Fjorm were astride a pair of horses, the Nifl princess leading another horse that had a slumbering Laevatein tied securely to the saddle. Alfonse had volunteered to lead the horse, but Fjorm had insisted.

"Alright you two." Anna began once the sky began to lighten. "Maria told me the sedative will wear off by noon at the earliest. You have until then to reach your first destination."

She pointed to Fjorm. "Princess Fjorm, keep a close eye on the prisoner. We still don't know how she'll react, even if she's given her word to cooperate."

Fjorm nodded and adjusted her cloak. She was wearing a travel dress like Laevatein, but her stockings were white instead of black and she'd removed all her ornaments to keep a low profile. Like Alfonse and Laevatein her cloak was a royal blue, the hood down for now.

Anna looked to Alfonse. "Alfonse, make sure to stay on the road and keep to the schedule we came up with. I'll be expecting reports via falcon, but mostly… try and show these ladies a good time. If all goes well, we can look forward to a better future for all involved."

Alfonse nodded. "I'll be sure to keep you updated. Everyone, do your best in the weeks we're gone. I know you can make great strides despite our absence."

The Heroes cheered his words quietly, not wanting to prematurely wake the sleeping Laevatein. With their goodbyes given, Alfonse and Fjorm set off from the castle courtyard and settled into a steady pace soon after they were past the walls.

After a couple of hours, Fjorm decided to start a conversation. "So, what is our first destination? I've been quite curious ever since you started working with Sharena and Anna."

Alfonse smiled at her, the sight making Fjorm flush. "Well, we're heading for a small town near Askr's main river, the Ptolemy. There's bountiful fishing in its currents and the locals are incredibly generous with their hospitality. We'll be staying there for two days before moving on as an annual festival is going to be held on the second day."

Fjorm nodded, impressed. "That sounds like the Nifl ice fishing competitions held on the rivers and lakes. Everyone would compete to see who could catch the largest trout, but I only ever caught small ones."

Alfonse chuckled, but held up his hands in surrender when Fjorm glowered at him. "Hey, I sympathize. Sharena always seemed to reel in these massive catfish, but the best I ever did was a small perch."

Fjorm's glower turned to a curious tilt of the head. "What's… a catfish?"

Alfonse stared at her before laughing. "You'll see when we get there, don't worry. Actually, I've been meaning to ask, you seemed quite taken with the countryside when you first arrived. Why is that?"

Fjorm smiled nostalgically, taking a deep breath. The air was earthy and filled with the scent of trees and grass, so very alive. "Nifl is covered in snow all year round. I'd never seen green outside of algae, stone, and dyes. Then, when I woke and came to the castle, I saw a land of emerald and smelled grass for the first time."

Fjorm looked to Alfonse, eyes sparkling with wonder. "It was and still is such a beautiful sight. And, while I dislike the reason for this expedition, I'm glad that I can continue to see such beauty alongside you."

Alfonse grinned happily, even as his heart sped. The light from the dawn had strengthened to the point that Fjorm's form nearly sparkled in the light of the morning dew. It was… a lovely sight, much like the fields of rolling grass they trotted through.

With a new sense of determination, Alfonse began to explain any curiosity that came to Fjorm's attention. Stories were soon swapped as well, and the pair found themselves in a good mood when their destination came into sight.

"Ugh… am I… on a horse?"

The sound of their other member made the mood sour, at least to Fjorm. She'd been having a wonderful time with Alfonse and almost forgot Laevatein existed. "That you are. We're nearly to the first stop."

"It's a small town." Alfonse said, tone far kinder as they slowed to a stop. "The people are kind and the life simple. But, both I and my sister believed seeing a festival was a good place to start."

Laevatein sat up groggily, eyes barely opened before she let out a brief hiss. "So… stiff…"

Alfonse supposed being laid out on a horse for a few hours tended to do that. "Well, you've been asleep some time. Do you need any help? We can stop and rest for now, the town isn't that far."

Laevatein shook her head, eyes clearing, before she looked around and felt herself stare. "So… much green…"

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Fjorm said, a hint of spite in her next words. "Shame there are those who seek to destroy it."

Alfonse leveled a glare at Fjorm, who cowered at the heat, but Laevatein didn't appear to have noticed. "I haven't seen so much green… in ages. Then, these are trees? Grass and underbrush?"

Fjorm and Alfonse looked to each other, surprised. Someone who'd never seen trees, grass, or underbrush?

"It's… beautiful." Laevatein whispered, eyes scanning the woods and fields around her. Then, her eyes fell on the town and her mask was back in place. "Then, that is where we go?"

Alfonse nodded slowly. "Indeed, it is. We'll be staying for two days so you can get a taste of ordinary life. Feel free to ask questions."

Laevatein silently took hold of her horse's reigns but didn't start forward. "On your word."

Alfonse sighed and ordered the party forward, Laevatein taking point while Fjorm and Alfonse formed the back.

"Why did you say that?" Alfonse muttered. "You explicitly swore not to let your feelings affect your interactions with her."

Fjorm hung her head in shame. "I apologize… that was rude and uncalled for. I guess my own hurt wasn't as… buried as I thought. I'll strive to do better."

Alfonse's gaze softened. "I understand this is hard, but we're trying to show her the good that she's been missing under Surtr's thumb. If you must, think of it as helping another victim."

"For she's as much one as I am." Fjorm muttered, recalling Alfonse's defense of this idea almost a week ago. "Again, I apologize Alfonse. I will do what I can."

Alfonse smiled and nodded. "That's the spirit. If there's something I've admired about you from day one, it's that never give up mind set. I feel we could all stand to learn from it."

Fjorm glanced up shyly, a small smile replacing her dejected frown. "Thank you, Alfonse."

Laevatein, who was subtly listening to this exchange, felt her grips on the reigns tighten.

She fancies him. Even I can tell that much. If I'm to accomplish my task and fulfill my new purpose… I must make him look at me as desirable, more so then the Nifl princess… but how?

Being asleep for so long didn't do much for the gathering of advice. All she'd gotten was that Alfonse didn't appreciate an up-front attempt at seduction, so she'd have to do something subtler to win his favor.

No violence though, so removing Fjorm was out… aha! She'd just have to show how superior she was to the Nifl princess. That way, Alfonse would have to place his favor with her.

It was only natural to want the strongest as mates after all.

With that in mind, Laevatein fell back in line with the others. Alfosne and Fjorm were openly curious as to why she'd decided to join them, but the group was silent the rest of the ride unless something curious popped up.

Right on time, they arrived at the gates where a pair of guardsmen were waiting for them. "Prince Alfonse! It's been ages since you've visited, what's the occasion?"

Aflonse nodded to the guards. "I'm on an inspection of the kingdom. With the raids from Muspel and Emblia continuing, I was instructed to see to the people. My compatriots are here to assist, but please, treat us as any other party of travelers."

Fjorm and Laevatein were equally surprised by the casual tone Alfonse took with the guards and vice versa. In their kingdoms, such an interaction was unheard of, especially in Muspel. Before either could ask, the guards had signaled for the gate to open and Alfonse was trotting through.

Once in the town, Fjorm got the first word in. "Are all your soldiers so casual with royalty? It's almost as if they're old friends of yours."

Alfonse shrugged, waving to some villagers that called their greetings. "I've been on many patrols over the years and come to know many soldiers. I wanted to do all I could, so I did many menial tasks at first. You could say it made me… popular."

Fjorm wanted to ask what those menial tasks were, but Laevatein cleared her throat. "So… what exactly am I supposed to see? I've been to many villages, so I fail to see how anything here could… convince me, as you put it."

She didn't feel the need to mention that most of those villages either had the residents cowering in fear or reduced to ashes alongside their homes. Even she had enough social sense to realize that was a bad idea.

"Well, I'll be walking you through the day to day life of the people." Alfonse began. "Along with that, I'll be showing you both a variety of jobs, activities, and otherwise that have nothing to do with war or can be easily disrupted by it. My hope is that you'll see why we don't want to lose this fight and show that war isn't everything."

Laevatein was quiet for a time, just long enough for them to arrive at an inn. "What's this place?"

"An inn," Fjorm answered. "It's a place for travelers to rest and regain their strength after a long journey. I believe this is where we'll be staying the next three nights."

Alfonse dismounted with a sigh. "That we are. I've stayed in this inn several times before, so I can vouch for its reputation. Beyond that, they have good ale and good food, so it'll be a good time. Especially with their festival coming up."

Fjorm dismounted as well, Alfonse giving her the coin he'd know would pay for the rooms. Once she was through the doors, Alfonse turned to find Laevatein glaring at the ground.

"…You don't know how to get down, do you?"

Laevatein growled, insulted. "Of course I do, what do you take me for? I just don't see a stable for the beasts."

Alfonse felt a smug grin stretch over his face. "The stable's right around back. I'll come with you and stable these brave mounts, then we can head inside and get settled. Sound good to you?"

Laevatein just barely kept a scowl from her face. "…Very well, lead on."

Alfonse took the reigns for the horses and guided them to the stable. After making sure his and Fjorm's were taken care of, he glanced over to see Laevatein still astride her steed, eyes narrowed pensively.

After catching his gaze though, she slowly shifted around and swung her leg over, only for the horse to buck a bit. It wasn't much, but apparently it upset Laevatein's balance and she found herself racing to the ground.

Only to run into something a lot softer than dirt.

Looking up, she found herself sprawled on top of Alfonse, the prince had dived beneath her.

The show of chivalry made her heart flutter in a way it never had before. "Are… you ok?"

The words were strange coming from her mouth, but Alfonse merely grinned. "Well, I didn't want you to have a bad start to the trip. Besides, you can be honest with me. I don't mind helping you learn."

Laevatein stared at him before pulling herself up. "…Thank you, I guess. It has been some time since I was last on a horse, so that shall be my first request."

Alfonse nodded and sat up. "I'll be here to catch you until it's easy as breathing. Now, why don't we head inside? I don't know about you, but I'm hungry."

As if invoked, a low rumble came from Laevatein's stomach, the young woman somehow keeping a straight face. "I… agree."

Alfonse chuckled and got the last horse into its stable. Once finished, he gestured for Laevatein to follow him. "Well then follow me, this place has the best catfish filets."

Laevatein did so, but something compelled her to do so barely a step behind him. Almost as an afterthought, she took a whiff of the air and almost smiled.

Alfonse had the scent of earth and sweat that only many hours of work and training could give, the smell both sweet and deep. But, what nearly made her smile was the lightest hint of vanilla that joined the scent.

She'd made the first mark in this silent battle with the Nifl princess. The question now was how the other girl would respond.

A moment later, when they entered the inn, she got her answer.

"Alfonse!" Fjorm cried when they came in, the princess bounding up to him in a flurry of worry and embarrassment. "They said only one room got reserved! It's… it's… oh, I can't say it!"

Alfonse and Laevatein were very confused, but Alfonse nodded to Fjorm. "That is odd. I'll go check with the innkeeper, please stay here with Laevatein. You can get something to eat and drink while you're at it, I know you're both bound to need something."

With that, he was gone, leaving the two young women to glance over the dining room of the inn and eventually pick their way to a small table in the corner away from the other patrons. The pair was silent for a time before Laevatein spoke. "Why is a single room such an issue? Doesn't traveling mean sleeping with others nearby anyway?"

"That's… true." Fjorm muttered, unsure how to interact with someone who'd tried to kill her several times. "But that's camping. A room is… something different."

Laevatein tilted her head, hair falling aside like liquid pearl. "I… don't understand. If a room must be shared, why would it be a problem? There's only three here, not six."

"I guess you never had that talk." Fjorm mumbled. "Looks its just inappropriate for a man and a woman to share a room, let alone one man and two women. It could cause… unsavory rumors, at best."

Laevatein didn't betray any further confusion. "I see… moving on, how do we get something to eat? I was recommended catfish filets."

A waitress walked over right on cue, greeting the ladies and offering menus. Laevatein had to puzzle out what the pamphlet was for, but after Fjorm ordered while pointing to it, Laevatein figured it out.

Once they'd ordered, silence descended once again. It was incredibly awkward, to Fjorm at least, so she tried to start a conversation. "Alfonse sure is taking a while. I wonder what's holding him?"

Laevatein shrugged and leaned back in her seat. "I don't know."

Fjorm sighed as silence fell over them again. While the two of them had crossed blades several times, Fjorm knew nothing beyond Laevatein's skill. "So… may I ask what its like back in your home? I've heard little of it."

Laevatein stared at her. "Why… do you want to know that? I've seen little beyond the palace, and its not known as the Kingdom of Fire for no good reason."

Fjorm frowned. "I'm just trying to make conversation. I… don't like silence."

It reminded her too much of the isolation she'd been forced into after Nifl's conquest.

"I'm not one for conversation." Laevatein answered. "A blade does not speak unless ordered. It wouldn't be surprising if I'd talked more today then in the last several years."

Fjorm's frown deepened. "So, it's true. Why do you see yourself as a tool? Is there some reason for thinking yourself so lowly as to be worth the same as a simple tool?"

"I am not lowly." Laevatein growled, mask cracking in anger. "It is an honor to be given the name of the blade Laevatein, to be of use! The weak have no place in my homeland, not when the fire strikes at any show of weakness."

Fjorm blinked in shock. Apparently, that was a nerve, and a sore one at that. "I… I apologize. I don't mean to offend, but I do wish to understand. At least, to the best of my ability."

"Then answer a question of mine." Laevatein stated, mask returning. "Do so, and I'll answer one of yours. I believe that to be a fair exchange."

Fjorm bit her lip but acquiesced. It's not like she could ask anything too embarrassing.

"Do you fancy Prince Alfonse? Is that why you volunteered to join this expedition?"

Fjorm was wrong.

"That's, uh…" Fjorm stammered, cheeks flushing scarlet. "I, uh, just wanted to, uh, keep an eye on you. I work well with Alfonse and it was decided I would be of the most help!"

Her last words flew out in a messy attempt to dodge the rest of the question. It was an answer after all, but it didn't have to answer both questions.

The corner of Laevatein's mouth twitched downwards. "Then you will not answer my first question? You will be able to ask two in turn and I will be honor-bound to answer truthfully."

Fjorm's blush deepened, the sight making Laevatein give the tiniest of smirks. "So, you do fancy him. It appears that my initial thoughts were correct."

"What thoughts." Fjorm mumbled, not looking at Laevatein. Where on earth was that food, or Alfonse for that matter? This was embarrassing.

Laevatein leaned forward and rested her chin on her hands. "That I have a rival for his favor. Now then, what's your other question?"

Fjorm's eyes shot back to Laevatein, the other woman looking almost bored. "Wait, what? What do you mean I'm a rival?"

"Exactly what it sounds like." Laevatein stated. "I have lost my purpose, but Prince Alfonse has offered to find me a new one. I am loyal to those who give me purpose, as are all tools, but he is… something different. I wish to win his favor, you stand in the way of that, so you are my rival."

Fjorm was gob smacked. It wasn't every day an enemy royal essentially declares you rivals over the affections of one man. Hell, it wasn't every day normal girls had that happen to them.

"However," Laevatein continued, "I don't feel this rivalry could even be called as such. You've known Prince Alfonse far longer and have had many chances to get close to him. I am not but a tool that knows nothing of this world, let alone how to curry favor. Maybe it's already over, but I'm not weak enough to give in."

Laevatein leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "We will see who the prince chooses in time. Just know that I will be doing all I can. Don't disappoint me."

Fjorm was silent, trying to think of something, anything, that could make it both easier to hold Laevatein's determination to appropriate levels, but also allow her to compete effectively.

Oh, if Gunnthra knew what was going on, the woman would've fainted. This had turned into a trashy romance novel, and both sides knew it.

In Fjorm's mind, the only way to salvage this expedition, still get to see what Alfonse wanted both to see, and satisfy Laevatein's apparent desire for competition, was one thing.

A daily tournament.

It sounded silly in her head, but even as the waitress returned with food, free drinks, and apologies for the delay, she was still turning the idea over.

"This is good." Laevatein said, snapping Fjorm from her thoughts. "I can see why Prince Alfonse recommended it."

Fjorm looked down to find a steaming plate of fried catfish and a lovely salad to the side, honest to heaven yeast rolls slathered in butter next to it. This was the kind of stick-to-your-ribs fare she hadn't had in ages.

The wonders of having to keep a figure, damn courtiers.

Regardless, she sliced off a chunk and took a bite, almost mewling at the fresh taste. "Wow, they must've caught this recently. …Say, Princess Laevatein, I think I may have an idea."

Laevatein paused in her bite of a roll, cheeks puffed out. Fjorm giggled lightly before smiling. "Alfonse is going to want us to partake in a variety of activities on this trip. How about, rather than attempt to get in each other's way, we make a deal. Whoever does the best at the most activities on a given day gets Alfonse for the remainder of that day."

Laevatein chewed and swallowed, taking the time to think. "…Why the sudden olive branch? Not five minutes ago, you were in denial over fancying him at all."

Fjorm's blush returned. "I don't know if what you call 'fancying' him is what I feel, but I think this will at least make the trip more enjoyable. It'll be fair, there won't be unneeded distractions, and no matter the outcome, I like to think we'll be able to look back on this fondly."

"After all, if there's one thing everyone back at the castle has taught me, it's that forgiveness comes from realizing the past is just that. The past. I hope that, given time, we can be friends, Princess Laevatein. We are little sisters after all, and that's somewhere to start."

Laevatein stared at Fjorm, puzzled. "Why… are you all so kind? Such actions would be used against you in Muspel without mercy, for it is weakness to be kind. Yet… I have found my betters here and they are kind…"

"I don't understand…"

Fjorm felt pity for the other princess. It looked as if her entire world-view was beginning to be doubted, simply from showing an ounce of kindness and decency.

The pair ate quietly after that, neither speaking until Alfonse arrived and plopped into the lone open seat with a sigh. "What an argument. Sorry for taking so long, I'd forgotten how stubborn the innkeeper was. Unfortunately, we only have the one room, and I looked to see it only has two beds."

Fjorm and Alfonse had a sneaking suspicion that detail was Sharena's handiwork.

"Regardless," Alfonse continued, "it looks like you two got something to eat. Was I right when I said the catfish was good?"

He got twin nods, making him grin. "Good, good. Just let me get something to eat and we can go get settled in. The day's still young after all and I'm sure you'd both like to look around. We may even find a shop or two that catches your eyes."

"We can go get settled in now." Fjorm assured. "It's no trouble and we'll have more time to wander that way. Get whatever you like, we'll join you if we finish first."

Alfonse nodded and waved for the waitress. As the girls stood, Laevatein threw a smirk at Fjorm before leaning next to Alfonse. "I look forward to sharing a room tonight."

The whisper made Alfonse flail and nearly fall out of his chair, Fjorm grabbing Laevatein's arm and dragging her to the room. Once inside, she rounded on the other girl. "What was that?!"

"Just having some fun." Laevatein said, sitting on one of the beds. "I'll go ahead and claim this as mine. Since you came up with this… tournament, I'll allow you to have Alfonse for today. Tomorrow though, is when it starts."

Fjorm steamed at the other girl's bold words, not sure what she meant. "It's not like I'm going to be hooked around his arm all day. Besides, we won't be forcing him to take us on… dates."

Laevatein merely stared at Fjorm and flicked her hair out. "How is the alone time supposed to be seen? Anyway, let's unpack. You may have his attention for today, but I want to see what we'll be working on tomorrow."

"After all, knowing is half the battle."

Fjorm wanted to pull her hair out. It looked like the Muspel princess was only stoic when on the battlefield.

Beyond that, she was as stubborn as both Fjorm and Alfonse. How else could she hold on to the idea of actual competition, especially when they didn't even know what those competitions would even be!

Sighing, Fjorm began to unpack the essentials. Hopefully the rest of the day would go smoothly.

-Next Morning-

The rest of the day hadn't gone smoothly.

After they'd settled in and met up with Alfonse, the party began to wander through the town. With the festival soon to start, most of the people were busy getting set up. Being generous by nature, Alfonse offered to help where he could. This in turn led to Fjorm and a reluctant Laevatein to assist as well, though they had to endure more than a few cat calls and vulgar words.

Alfonse wasn't spared such actions either, the women were just subtler.

One incident stood out when the group had arrived on the docks to find a fisherman with several reels set up. Alfonse recognized him as a friend of the innkeeper, so he was able to get the man to let them fish and watch the sunset.

It had been a long day up to that point, so it wasn't surprising to see the sun so low.

Nothing happened for a time, but then Laevatein got a bite. Having never fished before, she jerked the pole in a panic while everyone started yelling about 'reeling' and 'slack' and other such jargon. Unfortunately, she'd yanked so hard that the hook was buried into the fist, and she'd underestimated its strength.

Which led to a sopping wet Laevatein after the fish had pulled her into the river. The girl was not amused by this and silently vowed revenge on the fish in question.

Alfonse was more concerned about getting her changed into something dry, but that's when Fjorm hooked her own fish. Knowing more about what to do, she fought the fish with all her might.

She almost had it, a giant catfish with another hook in its maw, when it yanked hard and sent her into the water.

At that point, Alfonse was fed up with the fish. While the girls huddled under some blankets and steamed, literally with Laevatein, Alfonse cast his line and waited.

A short while later, the greedy catfish came back for more. But, when Alfonse had successfully dragged it to the point it was out of the water, he reached over, grabbed the harpoon from the fisherman, and skewered the catfish.

Everyone let out a roar of triumph, especially since they got to keep the fish.

They ate that thing with relish after giving it to the innkeeper, mad giggles and all.

Let it never be said hard work and lots of anger couldn't crack the greatest of stoics.

Next, they had to decided how the beds would be divided. Laevatein had already claimed one, so Alfonse, being the gentleman, laid down on the floor, put a pillow under his head, and cast a blanket over himself before falling asleep.

His companions were dumbfounded the prince could fall asleep so quickly and completely.

Beyond that, the girls got themselves ready, slipped under their blankets, and let exhaustion take over.

Which led to the newest predicament.

As sunlight streamed through the window, a ray landed on Alfonse's eyes. The prince's eyes scrunched before opening, sight bleary. "Morning already?"

A yawn stopped him from more observation, but he soon found himself unable to move. Well, his legs could move, but his arm was wrapped in something and there was a weight on his gut.

He blinked a few times and felt himself stare as the bleariness faded. The thing holding his arm was Fjorm, the princess apparently deep in a dream where she was hugging a large rabbit.

Who knew she was a sleep talker? That was kind of cute.

The weight on his chest was Laevatein, the other princess sprawled over him like she'd tripped and decided to stay.

So, it looked like she was a sleep walker while Fjorm was a sleep talker.

It was like looking at two-halves of the same person. Honestly, it was endearing to see that they were both so normal under all the royal veneers and stoicism.

Then Fjorm started snuggling into his arm and he felt the blood cut off, pins and needles starting to dance along the limb. Then, just to add to it, Laevatein flipped over and smacked the side of her head into his jaw.

As pain bloomed from the struck chin, Alfonse silently rued not checking their sleeping habits.

Hopefully, it wouldn't be a common occurrence.

Ch. End

Oh Alfonse, if only you knew.

Not the most humorous chapter, certainly, but I felt like we needed to get everything in order before we jumped into general hilarity. Honestly, as I said in the first chapter, this story won't be taking itself very seriously and I just want to write fluff at times.

Hope you enjoy the offering!