Alright, last time was fun!

As I am in need of both solace from Surtr being an ass like always and rest from the seemingly futile quest to summon Bride Cordelia, we get a new chapter!

Hope you all enjoy!

Starry Night

Morning came, and Alfonse found himself in the same position as yesterday, blood cut off in his arm and a weight across his chest. He really needed to be last to sleep at this rate, if only to find some way to keep the girls in their beds.

It couldn't be comfortable to fall to the floor and spend the night in the air.

Alfonse stored the thought and repeated the 'Sharena Method'. Once both girls were up and moving, Alfonse excused himself to free his feet from the boots he'd fallen asleep in. They were bound to smell ghastly, so better to air them out in the stable as the girls packed.

The girls however had a problem all their own. Namely, the sacks of clothes that Oboro had left for both, though the larger of the set was marked as Laevatein's. Fjorm knew their horses had room for much, but trying to fit all of this on in addition to their current supplies…

"One of us has to walk."

Fjorm's voice made Laevatein tilt her head. "…Really? I assumed the horses were capable of holding this and more."

"They can," Fjorm conceded, "but not with one of us riding. All this weight has to be balanced out, but adding us to the poor thing's back would make its spine bend. I'll talk with Alfonse, but heaven knows he'll volunteer."

Laevatein nodded, curiosity taking hold and leading her to open the sack marked with her name. "…Um… wow…"

Within lay what Oboro promised, fine dresses and sturdy fabrics filling the sack to the brim. The light of the sun glinted off several pieces of jewelry, Laevatein closing the sack in bewilderment. "Where… did she get all this?"

A better question had never been asked in Fjorm's opinion. "It's likely best not to ask, I've learned that in my time with the Order. Legends aside, I've noticed many of the heroes are quite… silly."

Laevatein thankfully let it go. "Very well then… what do we do in the mean time? Are we not setting out today?"

Fjorm nodded and stretched. "We are, but I don't know where to. Alfonse has been quite keen on keeping that secret, no matter how I press."

Laevatein hummed and picked up her sack, the weight surprising her. After adjusting, she turned for the door. "No point standing here. Better to make for the stables and figure this out there."

Fjorm agreed, but they had barely gotten their keys returned when Oboro popped up. "Hey ladies! Did my little gift send your hearts fluttering?"

Fjorm gave the tailor an unimpressed stare. "More like burdened minds. What were you thinking giving us almost two wardrobes for three horses? We'd need a wagon at least to carry all this and keep a decent pace."

Oboro shrugged unconcerned. "Those are pretty cheap, and you know it. Besides, you don't think Anna didn't factor in any purchases when planning this out with Prince Alfonse did you?"

Considering the commander's legendary greed, Fjorm was secure in her belief that Anna hadn't. "Then there's a wagon prepared for us? I heard no such thing when we set out and there was no sight of one when I looked outside."

"That's because it's not here." Alfonse said as he entered the main room, nodding to Oboro when she greeted him. "It'll be waiting for us at our next stop, though I wasn't expecting to need it so soon. You two ride, I'll lead my horse on foot."

As expected of the chivalrous prince. Oboro though, saw her chance. "Why don't you take our 'prisoner' to the stable and get ready? I need to have a quick talk with Fjorm, lady things."

Alfonse had heard that excuse many times before when Sharena and Anna didn't want him around. He'd give them the benefit of the doubt this time, but he had a feeling this discussion would somehow involve him and how everything was his fault.

He got wise to such things long ago.

Taking his silence as agreement, Oboro ushered Fjorm out of the inn and into an alley across the street. Once she was sure they were alone, Oboro turned to stare at the confused princess. "You need to up your game."

Fjorm was very confused. "What?"

"Your game." Oboro insisted, gesturing to the inn. "Do you really want to lose wonder-boy to the prisoner? I mean sure, she's got the looks, but you have the personality, looks, and you know him! Why haven't you made a move yet?!"

Fjorm connected the dots instantly. "Did my sister send you here?! I'm grateful for the clothes, we all are, but I told her to stay out of my love life! I'm not even sure I actually like Alfonse in that way!"

"You were slow dancing like newlyweds!" Oboro shouted, making Fjorm step back. "Gods, the doe eyes you were making at each other, the blushing, everything about last night! I've never seen you smile that much before, ever! You're in love with him girl!"

Fjorm remained speechless, Oboro continuing her tirade. "I'm not even counting the stuff back at the palace! Meals, training, off-time, you've even had moon-lit walks! Alfonse smiles around you, seeks you out, and refuses to partner with anyone else! How have you not seen this and acted on it?!"

Fjorm looked away, Oboro panting. "I… I always thought we were just friends. I have my kingdom and he has his, each our own problems. Even though I do… like him, there's too much standing between us to pursue a worthwhile relationship. All I can do is try and keep Laev in check, so that when this trip is over, we can put an end to Surtr."

Oboro's brow shot up in disbelief. "Fjorm, really? We've all heard about the discussions you've been having with the King and Queen through Anna, the ones about a future alliance. Your sister's going to take the crown in Nifl, so you're good there, and that's about all you've got to justify holding back."

Fjorm cursed under her breath. Those talks were supposed to be between her, Gunnthra, and the ruling pair. Anna was just a convenient messenger, but it looked like she'd sold out the talks. "Ok, fine. Look Oboro, I've never had a relationship before. I just turned 19, that's when I was supposed to entertain suitors. Yet, here I am, with no idea how to even broach the topic let alone understand if he feels that way."

She glared at the smug Oboro. "Don't give me that look, you're already married. I'm just trying to be his friend for now. If the moment's right, I'll tell him."

"I'll have cake and a hot bath ready if it goes south." Oboro laughed, wincing when Fjorm smacked her. "But honestly, I just don't want you to keep going as is with Ms. Flame Sword aiming for Alfonse. Last thing you need is to walk into a room a week from now and find her sucking him off."

Fjorm flushed scarlet at the crude image the word conjured. "Oboro! How dare you say such a thing, neither of them even know what that is! I'm not even sure what it is, but I know it's bad!"

"Not for Alfonse," Oboro chuckled. "Especially if you happened to join. But enough teasing for today, that's your sister's job. Just show your interested, and if he's dense enough not to notice, just tell him. It's better to tell then to not and regret it. Gods know it almost happened to me."

Fjorm fidgeted, a blush flaming on her cheeks. "Alright-alright, geez. I'll try if it comes to that, but you all need to stop being such matchmakers. I'm sure there's other things to worry about then us."

Oboro patted the princess's arm, smile warm. "Hey, we care about you guys. None of us can stay forever, but we want to see all of you happy. Even if that means embarrassing you out of your skirt."

Fjorm shook her head but couldn't hide her smirk. "Then I'll wear pants. Thank you though, that means a lot. Just… tell my sister to stop putting people up to stuff. I saw Feh fly off with a letter on her leg when you dragged me out here."

Oboro shrugged, caught red-handed. "Well, the wardrobe was my idea, your sister just got Anna to agree. Now get going, they're missing you I bet."

Fjorm giggled and left, Oboro watching her go with a smile. "I really do hope things go well…"

"Maybe that little surprise I packed for the next stop can help."

Oboro laughed and went to gather her things. She'd gotten a few requests the previous day she needed to finish, but her work was otherwise done. Now, it was time to head back, finish up, and deliver the news.

The next few days were bound to be fun.

-Alfonse-

"Got the hang of it now?"

Alfonse chuckled as Laevatein nodded, the princess secure in her horse's saddle. While she'd likely never admit it, Alfonse could tell she was grateful for the lessons on how to dismount and mount a regular horse.

Contrary to what one might think, horses were different from other types of mounts both in how they got around and how you mounted them. Doing it wrong tended to agitate the horse and send the rider groundward, leading to an Alfonse cushion the first few times they tried this.

But, Laevatein was a quick study and ready to go only ten minutes after they started practicing. With that set, all they needed was for Fjorm to join them and they were off.

"Where… are we going next?" Laevatein asked, already nostalgic about the town they were leaving. "You made sure I know nothing of where we are."

Alfonse scratched his head, unapologetic. "Well, we're still not entirely sure you've turned over a new leaf. No matter the last few days, security's still high on the priority list. I'll tell when we get out of town."

Laevatein frowned, but the door to the stable opened and Fjorm hurried in. "Sorry, Oboro would not let me go! Are we ready?"

"Just need you to mount up." Alfonse answered, gesturing to her horse. "I've loaded everything else onto mine but having to walk's going to delay us by a couple days. Hope no one minds camping."

Fjorm's face went flat. "Alfonse, what were we doing for almost a month before this started?"

Alfonse chuckled, embarrassed by the reminder. "Camping."

Fjorm nodded and mounted up, a quick smile going to Laevatein before she spoke. "Now then, everyone ready?"

She received words of agreement and they set off. The villagers called well-wishes and goodbyes as they left, the party receiving several bouquets and gifts as thanks for making the festival the best in years. The favors were taken warmly and placed on Alfonse's horse, the cheers and calls fading as they left the town behind.

Once on the road with no one else in sight, Alfonse began to describe their next destination. "So, we'll be heading to the coast next. Fjorm, you've told me that Nifl is mostly land-locked with the rivers extending beyond your borders, and the same is true of what our scouts in Muspel have seen."

"That is true." Laevatein confirmed, looking around languidly. "My home is almost entirely land-locked, volcanos blocked the sea ages ago."

Fjorm liked the sound of this. "So, we get to visit a seaside town? I've heard those are quite charming."

"Has a great beach too." Alfonse said. "They get lots of visitors and my family's been there many times in the past. It's bigger than the village, but not quite a city. The commander and I agreed it would make a good second stop."

Fjorm could already picture what this would entail. "Sounds like a good time to me. How long will we be on the road?"

"With me walking, three days." Alfonse said, hand patting his horse. "Personally, I look forward to going on a boat and fishing, maybe having a swim too. The war's likely turned off most of the tourists, but that just means it won't be too crowded."

Laevatein and Fjorm shared a glance. If the town was as nice as Alfonse said, then there'd be no true competition between them. How were they going to decide who got him during their stay?

Laevatein decided to turn their attention elsewhere. "Are there any sights to see on our way? I am… curious."

"We'll be passing the Falls of Deimos on the way." Alfonse said, pointing to the horizon. "The Ptolemy snakes around and breaks into three smaller rivers before reforming. The falls mark where the rivers converge and reform the Ptolemy, it's quite a sight."

Laevatein grunted and the party went silent. There wasn't much to talk about besides reminiscing on their time in the village, so they passed the time with a variety of hobbies or curiosities. One drew Fjorm's eye as the sun began to set. "You have a violin?"

Alfonse blinked, looking up from the instrument he held. "Well, yes. Part of my education growing up was learning how to play. Sharena was taught how to play the flute and I got this thing. Haven't played in a while though, so I'm unsure why I brought it."

"Why not play it?" Fjorm asked, pointing to a flat stretch of earth sheltered by a copse of trees. "There's a good camping spot right there and we'll need something to pass the time while dinner's getting cooked."

Alfonse didn't look too sure but acquiesced at Fjorm's insistent gaze. "Alright, if you'll have a rusty player. It'll do good if you want to learn any fast dances from Laev, she volunteered to teach."

Fjorm went wide-eyed, glancing to Laevatein. "When did she promise that?"

"Last night." Alfonse said as he guided his horse to the trees. "You fell asleep when we got back to the inn, but Laevatein and I had a talk. At the end of it, she asked me to teach her the slow dances. In exchange, she'll teach you the fast dances with help from yours truly."

Fjorm glowered, making Alfonse flinch and hurry down the road. He didn't know what made her mad, but he wasn't going to ask right now. Better to let her cool off, then ask.

Laevatein trotted up beside him, curious eyes looking back to Fjorm. "Did… you upset her? She's glaring at us."

"I don't know how," Alfonse answered. "Just told her about the lessons you offered. Anyway, we'll set up camp under those trees, can I trust you to get the fire going and pitch a tent?"

Laevatein rolled her eyes. "You're asking a Princess of Fire if she can make one… truly, you are thick at times."

Alfonse chuckled and poked his temple. "That I am, no denying it. But, it does help to make others let their guards down. Then, I show them I have a brain."

"You have a brain?" Laevatein asked, giggling at his indignant glare.

Alfonse sighed and let the matter go. They were upon the trees shortly thereafter, but Fjorm still looked irritated enough for Alfonse to not speak to her. In fact, she didn't look calm until the camp was set and dinner was sizzling in the skillet.

Taking it as a sign to bite the blade, Alfonse spoke. "Fjorm, did I say something to offend you? You've been upset since we last spoke."

"Upset?" Fjorm queried, smile too sweet. "Why would I be? You just had a dalliance with the enemy behind my back and made a deal without my consent. Again."

Alfonse sighed, not expecting that. "Fjorm, we had this discussion last week. Besides, I think Laev has shown she's not a threat to us, at the very least. Also, it was no deal, she simply wished to offer. You can turn it down if you wish, but I think we'd all have a better time if you both learned all the dances."

He gestured to his violin. "That way, I can provide some music and both of you can dance or sing to your pleasure. A far better way to spend the night then being mad, no?"

Fjorm didn't look like she agreed, but Laevatein joined the discussion. "It's ok… If you do not wish to learn, then I shall not force you. I… simply believed it was fair, considering I forced Alfonse to indulge a lesson last night."

Fjorm and Alfonse knew she could've worded that better, but the Nifl princess sighed. "No, you're both right. I shouldn't be getting so upset over you two doing something just because I was asleep."

She bowed her head, shame coloring her tone. "I guess… I'm still not ready to trust you yet, Laev. I want to, I do… but…"

Laevatein sighed though her nose and stood. "Well… that's only expected. I can't say I trust you fully either, even though I would call you friend. Perhaps we should give it a few days, allow the festival jitters to quiet."

Alfonse stood and put a hand on Laevatein's shoulder, gently making her sit. "Now-now, there's no need to withdraw from one another. So, we are not capable of full trust yet, that's fine. I did not fully trust my own sister for many years, yet I do now. Let us continue as friends, the rest shall come with time."

Fjorm took a moment to turn those words over in her head. Alfonse was as patient as always, to suggest such a thing, and she agreed… on all save one thing. "Alfonse, may I speak to her privately for a moment? I have something I must ask."

Alfonse looked rightly confused, but he nodded. "I see no issue, so long as I don't hear a fight break out. Take one of the tents, I'll mind our meal."

Fjorm nodded and went to her tent, Laevatein following with the slightest reluctance. Once inside, Fjorm took a seat, Laevatein taking the spot across from her. "I don't think we should continue the competition idea."

Laevatein laughed, not expecting that in the least. "And why not? I thought doing so gave us each plenty of time with our darling prince."

"Please… don't call him that." Fjorm groaned, already imagining what the others would do with that name. "Look, life seems to be giving us equal time with him regardless, so why even bother? We're not even sure either of us truly love him."

Laevatein worked her jaw, not wanting to reveal… her plan? Was it even a plan or a mission if the goals were swiftly becoming personal? "I do not know what it is to… love someone this way. Nor do you, if I recall, so why would you even bother suggesting the competition in the first place?"

Fjorm bit her lip, not sure if she should answer that honestly. Then again, if they were going to build trust…

"…I proposed it to keep you under control."

Laevatein didn't have a chance to speak before Fjorm rushed ahead. "You were being very…provocative and frankly unruly when we settled into the village. I didn't want this trip to go sour from your antics, so I decided on the competition to keep those impulses at bay. I'm competitive by nature though, so I got pulled deeper than I wished."

"I was being… unruly?" Laevatein asked, confused. "I thought showing my interest was only natural. Are you saying such things are not acceptable in courtship?"

Fjorm drooped, not sure what to do here. She was as inexperienced with courtship as Laevatein, so who was she to give advice? "I… I don't know, maybe? I never had so much as a suitor, the invasion took place before I had to start entertaining them."

Laevatein looked even more confused. "Then why try and stop me? We're both no good at this… and I could find little advice before finding myself on the horse."

Fjorm's hands shook, not wanting to tell why she wanted Laevatein stopped… why did she want that again?

Oh… that's right.

"I… wanted to confirm."

Laevatein's confusion was absolute. "You… wanted to confirm something?"

Fjorm nodded, grabbing the hem of her dress to stop the shaking. "Yes… I've felt so out of it around Alfonse for some time. My head would lighten, my chest tighten, and… I felt like I was floating whenever we were alone."

Fjorm didn't dare look up, eyes fixed on her hands. "I was… actually going to ask if we could take a trip for a few days. I thought, if we were alone, away from the others, I could figure out what I felt. Then, you came into the picture, and I got my wish. Just… not in any way I imagined, and I guess that bitterness contributed to wanting to hold you back."

Laevatein was silent. To her, it sounded like one of those overly idealized fantasies some of the soldiers would talk about back home. Yet, here she was, across from someone who was once her enemy. If such a situation could come about, who was she to say that Fjorm wasn't deserving of that fantasy?

"I… still want to try."

Fjorm looked up, blinking away tears. "What?"

"I still want to try." Laevatein repeated, determination set in every feature. "As you said, it appears events are letting us have mostly equal time with Alfonse. Even if the competition idea goes to the dirt, I'll still do my best to catch his eye. I too feel a tightness in my chest when we're alone, and I can honestly say I've never been happier than with him."

Laevatein's determination fell away to show… uncertainty. "Yet I do not know what it means. I crave his attention, for reasons I cannot name, and I feel angered when he turns his gaze to you. So… I too wish to confirm what I feel."

"That way, even though the choice is his, I can say I felt something so powerful no matter the outcome. I think… that's what my sister would want. And it's what I want."

Fjorm was silent, unsure how to proceed. "So… we let life take its course?"

"Yes," Laevatein answered, holding her hand out to shake. "Let us try and seduce him as normally as we can, knowing nothing. If our feelings are genuine, he'll know, and we can be happy for one another."

Fjorm blushed at the word 'seduce' but shook Laevatein's hand. "Very well, but don't think I won't try my hardest either. This would be no fun otherwise."

Laevatein nodded, a smirk on her lips. "Of course not. I wonder… do you think Alfonse is ready for this?"

"You mean two lovely ladies doing all they can to catch his eye?" Fjorm drawled, voice dripping sarcasm. "Not in the least. You've seen what he's like when you tried to be sultry, couldn't stand it. Chivalrous he is, but that makes it hard to tell who he's interested in when that chivalry wins out."

Laevatein giggled and stood. "Then let us be ourselves, yes? We'll try our best, but not go too overboard. I am supposed to be a prisoner seeing what the world has to offer."

Fjorm stood too and gestured to the tent flap. "Then we shall see it. By the way, if you're chosen, and Surtr is defeated, will Muspel join the alliance with Askr and Nifl?"

"Gladly," Laevatein said as she pushed back the flap. "Alfonse shall be my master at such a juncture, and I know it would please him to do so."

Fjorm hummed and exited the tent, smiling when she saw three plates set out, their meal steaming atop them. "Well, this smells nice."

"I'm glad you both look so chipper." Alfonse answered with a smile of his own. "I was hoping there wouldn't be a fight, and it looks like I was right. Ready to eat and enjoy the rest of the night?"

Laevatein smirked, sauntered up to him, and picked up a plate. "Sure… if you'll let me have a dance. I wish to continue where we left off."

Fjorm shouldn't have been surprised Laevatein went straight to flirting. "I want to hear you play that violin. I can teach Laev while you play."

Alfonse looked between the two, blinking in surprise. "Um… shall we eat first? I think going with Fjorm's idea after that would be a good place to start, then we can make merry from there."

Laevatein looked displeased, but she began to eat without complaint. Harmless chatter filled the air from there until they were done, then Alfonse began to tune the violin. "I'll start with a simple waltz, that should give you both an easy tune to work with."

Fjorm nodded and placed Laevatein next to her. "Alright, just follow my movements. Put your hands like this, tilt back your head, and move on my count."

Laevatein did as told and, as Alfonse began to play, followed Fjorm closely. The movements were so slow and stiff compared to the ones she already knew, but as she moved, they started to feel fluid.

"You're a quick study." Alfonse laughed as Laevatein followed Fjorm like a mirror. "She's been doing more complex figures as we've gone."

Fjorm laughed, humming along to the violin. "I have, and you've done very well. Hopefully I can pick up your steps just as fast."

Laevatein smirked and spun through a series of steps that made her hair whirl like starlight. "Thank you… my sister always said I learned fast."

"Well it's my turn now." Fjorm said, taking a seat as Alfonse stopped playing and stood. "I'll observe you and Alfonse, then I'll do that same as you. How about we call it a night after that, we need to get up early."

Laevatein giggled. "Very well. Though this was short, it was enjoyable. Will we make those falls tomorrow?"

"We will," Alfonse confirmed as Laevatein took hold of his outstretched hands. "It'll be a good spot to stop and rest before we continue. Then we'll make the coast the next day."

Laevatein drew close, smirk growing at Alfonse's blush. "Don't be so… bashful. You held Fjorm this close just last night, so I'm following her lead."

Alfonse glanced to Fjorm, who looked exasperated but amused. "Just ignore it, Alfonse. On your mark."

Alfonse gulped, but began the dance, Fjorm watching the movements closely. After a few laps around the fire, Fjorm stood. "Alright, let me have a go. Laev, if you would."

Laevatein parted from Alfonse with a flirty smile, the prince blushing crimson. "Do as I did with you. I know you'll pick this up quick."

Fjorm nodded and Alfonse started a fast tune, the girls dancing in sync. Once done, they settled in and allowed the sounds of the night to wash over them.

"There's many stars." Fjorm said when she glanced to the sky. "I don't recognize any of them though."

Alfonse looked up and smiled, the fire little more than a smoldering pit by now. "You know, one of my favorite things to do when I was young was watch the stars. My father would tell stories about them and my mother would use them as lessons. Would you like to hear some of them?"

Fjorm nodded, Laevatein pointing to a spot in the open fields. "That would be a good spot, no? I would like to hear these tales too, if only to see how they differ from what I know."

Alfonse chuckled and guided them to the spot, everyone laying down and looking to the sky, their heads almost touching. "Pick out a star or constellation. I know a tale for most all of them."

And so they did. Like children, they watched the stars and listened to Alfonse's tales, laughing or smiling like the world and their positions meant nothing. All they had were each other that night, and all else ceased to matter.

"What about that one, Alfonse? That trio so close together?"

Alfonse hummed as he tracked Fjorm's finger, sighing when he found the stars. "Oh, those, that's Sharena's favorite story. They're called the Three Loves, and it's an old romance tale. According to tradition, Askr was founded by a king that grew up with two girls, whom he loved dearly. The problem was, when he'd founded the kingdom, his people clamored for him to take a wife."

Laevatein and Fjorm shared glances. That sounded very similar to the current situation.

"The king though, could not choose between his two loves." Alfonse continued, not noticing the glance. "Both were great beauties, and both had their supporters, but the king saw them as two halves to a whole. One was blessed with great physical talents and a wit to match, her feats of strength and agility thrilling the kingdom, and it was said she was the greatest dancer to walk the land."

Laevatein felt an odd sense of familiarity with that description, but Alfonse kept going. "The other was no less capable, but her talents lay more in the arts and mind. She helped defend the new-born kingdom with her tactics and lance, as sure to be by the king's side as her friend. So strong was the bond between the three, their friends considered them married long before Askr was founded."

Alfonse sighed, melancholy in his voice. "The story Sharena hears ends with the king abdicating the throne for his closest and most able aide, from whom our line descends, and living his life with his loves in obscurity. The actual end had the king take his own life, for he could not resolve his desire to love them yet chose only one. Supposedly, the would-be queens grew jealous of each other when the king was told to choose a bride."

"Which didn't help, as they fought over him." Fjorm finished, Alfonse looking to her in surprise. "There's a similar tale in Nifl. The first queen was madly in love with a man, but so was her dearest friend. They each desired to make him their husband and fought bitterly, but he loved both too much. He took his life and the queen died of grief, leaving her younger brother to take the mantle. He's who I descend from."

Laevatein hummed, weirded out by this confluence of events. "You know… that's a tale for me too. My sister told of our first queen, who was also in love with the same man as her best friend. She so wished to take him as her husband that she ended her old friendship and fought viciously for his hand. The man could not stand the fighting and cut his own throat. The queen was so devastated that she threw herself into a volcano, leaving her sister to reign instead. That is who I descend from."

They were quiet, not sure how to take that set of coincidences. Then Alfonse had an idea. "You don't think… they're all one in the same?"

Fjorm scoffed. "No way, our kingdoms are on opposite sides of the world, how could they be?"

"Askr royalty opens portals." Laevatein reminded. "Pretty easy to meet up if your aide can make a hole in reality. Maybe that's why Emblia got mad with you?"

Alfonse looked less than impressed. "Yeah, that's not it. Regardless, I do find it odd how such similar stories found their way here. Who knows, maybe all our kingdoms aren't as different as we pretend, yes?"

"Perhaps not." Fjorm said, a yawn making her pause. "But I think it's about time we went to bed. I'm looking forward to those falls tomorrow."

Laevatein sat up and stretched. "As am I. Say… are there any smaller falls in addition to the main ones?"

"Ah, I see what you're going for." Alfonse grunted as he got up. "There's an outcropping that a tributary runs through, forms a nice alcove. The fall there is famous amongst the locals as a prime bathing spot since the silt is so full of minerals. So long as you don't drink, it's supposed to do wonders for the skin."

He muttered something about a begging Sharena and went to snuff the fire. Laevatein though, had a wonderful idea pop into her head. Once it solidified, she caught up to Fjorm and grabbed her shoulder. "Tomorrow, at the falls, we have a good chance to get a laugh. If you're not too shy, we can embarrass him."

Fjorm looked beyond scandalized, a strangled yelp escaping her throat. "W-what?! I can't do that!"

"Calm down," Laevatein whispered, mischief in her voice. "We don't need to be in the nude for this, that's likely to kill both of you. All we need is to give him a peek, and then he'll do whatever we want in town. Sounds like a good way to make sure he stays with us, no?"

Fjorm was shocked beyond reason. "How… are you confident about this?"

"I've learned anatomy." Laevatein said, voice dry. "Important to know where I'll be stabbing people. A body's nothing to be embarrassed about, especially when we're both quite the specimens as is."

Fjorm's face was almost puce from embarrassment. "I want the old Laev back. At least you weren't dead set on embarrassing me when you were being distant."

Laevatein giggled and let Fjorm go. "It's not that bad, being open. I've had no end of joy, and I seek to continue it. If that means we embarrass Alfonse, then I'll do so… besides."

Her voice fell to a whisper, the tone making Fjorm tense. "We'll get to see if he likes chocolate or vanilla, no?"

Fjorm squealed and fled from Laevatein, almost diving into her tent. Laevatein let out a hearty laugh at the sight, wondering if Fjorm's face could start a fire all its own.

"What was that?" Alfonse asked, head poking out of his tent. "Did something happen?"

Laevatein shook her head and made for her tent. "Nothing, Prince. We'll see you in the morning."

Alfonse hummed, but watched her go into her tent. He was up now, so may as well make sure everyone was asleep before turning in.

He passed the next few hours carving an owl out of a tree branch he'd cut off while the girls were talking. He was so engrossed, he almost didn't notice Fjorm's tent shift and the princess stumble out panting.

"Fjorm?!" Alfonse said as he dropped his project and rushed to her side. "Are you ok?"

Fjorm reached out and gripped his arms, breath slowing. "I…I… Alfonse?"

Alfonse nodded and guided her next to the fire pit. "Yes, it's me. What happened, did you have a nightmare?"

Fjorm curled in on herself, shaking. "I… I did. I saw the fires, the soldiers killing everyone… Surtr…"

Alfonse knew a sure-fire way to fix this. Sharena had her fair share of nightmares, and this always worked. So, he moved behind Fjorm and enveloped her in a hug.

"What are you doing?" Fjorm squeaked, not expecting the embrace. "I… I'm not a child."

Alfonse hummed, knowing that excuse all to well. "I know you're not, but an embrace does wonders for a worried heart. Let yourself relax, Fjorm, you're safe."

Fjorm flushed, but she did relax just a bit. "Alfonse… thank you. Um… I normally ask this of Gunnthra, when this happens, but…"

"Can I sleep with you tonight?"

Alfonse's arms went slack, but Fjorm kept them in place. "I've tried to sleep again after the nightmares, but it won't come. I need to be near someone I trust, and… that's you. I'm sorry, I know this isn't appropriate."

Alfonse blubbered for a moment before gulping. "It's… it's alright. So long as it helps you, I don't mind doing it."

Fjorm smiled and leaned back, ice-blue meeting dark-blue. "Alfonse… thank you. You're so sweet."

Alfonse chuckled nervously and scratched his head. "Thanks, that's kind of you. Shall we? We have an early start tomorrow."

Fjorm nodded and let Alfonse help her up and guide her to his tent. Once inside, he disappeared for a moment before returning with her bed-roll. "Here, this'll help."

Fjorm took the roll and set it out next to Alfonse's roll. The pair settled in and Alfonse smiled at her. "Goodnight, Fjorm."

Fjorm smiled and scooted over, a kiss placed on his cheek. "You too, Alfonse. Thank you again, this means a lot."

Alfonse was too shocked by the peck on his cheek to respond, Fjorm giggling tiredly before her head hit her pillow and she fell asleep. Alfonse stared at her for a time before he laid down, contemplating the action.

Then his tent flap rustled, a disheveled and panting Laevatein poking her head through. "Can I… join?"

"You too huh?" Alfonse said, Laevatein nodding. "There's room for one more. Feel free."

Laevatein shuffled into the tent and laid out her roll, both staring at the tarp when she laid down. After several moments of silence, Alfonse spoke. "Um… what happened?"

"I… dreamed of my mother." Laevatein answered. "It's… not something I want to share, quite yet. Just having someone nearby is all I need."

Alfonse hummed, glancing over to the sleeping Fjorm. "She's here for the same reason. As I told her, if it will help you, I don't mind."

Laevatein turned over, red eyes shining in the dark. "…Thank you, Alfonse. That… means a lot."

Alfonse nodded, eyes glued on the tarp as sleep overtook him. Once he was breathing deeply, Laevatein smiled and leaned in, lips pressing against his cheek.

It took all her restraint not to claim his first kiss right there. But, she'd learned restraint well under her family, and it served her well here.

"If those legends were true…" Laevatein mumbled as she snuggled into Alfonse, Fjorm mirroring her. "Then maybe… we can be the version your sister likes…"

Sleep pulled her to sweet dreams, the whisper of Fjorm's dreaming voice the last thing she heard.

"Maybe we… can be the stars…"

Ch. End

Alright, done and dusted!

Hope you all enjoyed this admittedly more emotional chapter. I plan to return to our various hijinks next time, but I do hope this offering satisfies.

Beyond that, a quick review response!

Sothe17- I have such a hard time choosing between the two, it's maddening! Sad thing is, if I don't find an immediate OTP, I go for an OT3, and that's very much this one. I'm humbled by your praise and hope this chapter lives up to expectations!

Thank you all and see you next time!

(P.S I drew Bride!Cordelia on my last freaking summon! I've gone through at least 100 orbs of nothing but four-stars and three-stars or duplicates, then bam! I've wanted her since she first showed up, but didn't hit on the original banner, so I was chomping at the bit to get her this time! Persistence pays off!)