Fire Emblem: Realm of Chaos
Chapter 11
Disclaimer! I don't own the Fire Emblem series or any of its characters. Also note that this is my version of Radiant Dawn and despite that fact, this story was published before the game was even released, I just added elements from Dawn later on down the line.
Here's to you guys and enjoy!
The numbing cold of the air around her told Tyna that she was home in Daein once again. Before it didn't really register in her mind she was nearing home because of her questioning thoughts of her mother's possible reasons or intentions of wanting her back. Dark, purple eyes scanned the mass stretch of whiteness and cloudy skies that were considered noteworthy symbols of Daein's land. Like a heavy blanket of ground ice, the snow covered everything it touched. For a long time when she was younger, she had thought the whole world was like her homeland. That they were all the same and was as happy as she was.
Shaking her head to rid herself of the memories, she ceased taking in the scenery and urged her dusky mount into a trot up the slanted hill to Fizzart Castle. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed her teacher and guardian shiver in his thick cloak and layers of coating. He was used to the hot weather of Gallia that a sudden change of temperature was sure to be obviously very discomforting. But still, she couldn't help but be concerned. Should he be shivering that much?
Soren made his horse match his pupils' pace as they trotted through the road mixed of dirt and snow that led upward to their destination. He remembered having to stand behind the many sword wielders, axe users and paladins as they fought their way through to the gates of the castle where Jill's father guarded their way. His red eyes shadowed with the faint sounds of metal, yelling and beating of powerful red wings as memories of wyverns and laguz met arrows and spells in the sky above the random battles below. Five years felt like a second to him by returning to this former battlefield.
"Master? Are you alright?" Tyna asked, turning towards him as she guided her horse to stay forward.
"I'm fine." he snapped back, turning away to stare at the homes they passed by.
"Alright. It looks like we are being greeted." she murmured, staring pointedly at the cloaked figure starting towards them at a job from the front gates.
Both mages pulled their horses to a stop as the young man skidded up to them. Soren frowned at the way the Daein's cloak flapped open around his servant trousers and shirt. Was the boy not cold?
"Are you Miss Tyna?" the young man asked, reaching for her horse's snout to pat it gently.
"I am. Did my hair give me away?" she teased lightly with a small smile as she reached for a wavy lock of purple.
"It did, miss. Lady Jill informed us to keep an eye out for a pretty lady with violet hair sometime this week." he replied honestly, gazing at her with barely hidden adoration and interest. Soren threw his eyes upward as he could almost feel the hormones coming from this young man.
Growling louder than before with annoyance, the red eyed mage rode around the man and trotted uphill. He didn't glance back to see the servant's frown or his charge's angry gaze. A choppy flick of his fingers from his outstretched hand as he rode ahead told her to follow, which she did. The young man trotted along side her and offered to care for their horses as another servant appeared to show them inside.
Her master took off his cloak but kept his long jacket on. Due to their past actions, there was still a large chance he would be recognized and ignite old hurt feelings, so he borrowed one of Ike's headbands to cover his mark that was on his forehead. As her coat and cloak were taken, Tyna asked where their Lady was.
"Lady Jill is on the second floor. Please follow me." said the second servant with jet black hair and a small scar under the right side of his chin.
Jill Fizzart, Lady of Talrega, sat down at a wide table on the second floor drawing room with several papers spread out in front of her, two of them crumpled and scribbled on. The mighty wyvern warrior wore a emerald dress that was lined with gold trimming and a black, floral pattern. Her vibrant red hair was pulled upward into a high ponytail that was braided and fell down to the mid of her back. A large fire was lit to the far of the room as they entered.
"My lady, Miss Tyna has arrived." announced the scarred servant as he stepped to the side to let the purple haired woman walk forward.
Looking up, Jill smiled and immediately left the table to greet her guests. A few paces away, her boot caught the hem of her dress and nearly pulled herself to kiss the carpeted, stone floor. Cursing her dress and her clumsiness, Jill jerked at her outfit and gave her guests a sheepish grin.
"Sorry. It's just I swear I will never get used to wearing gowns but I wear them to appease my elder servants. It was annoying to hear them say I was dressing like a man too much and would never attract them the way I should as a woman."
Tyna smiled as the warrior reached for her hands in greeting. "I understand. Acting like a lady is tiring at best."
A rough and deep sounding chuckle was heard from one of the long, lounge couches facing away from them and towards the wide fireplace that was hot and inviting. A large hand gripped the back of the couch and a brown haired man with an eye patch stared over the plush cushions at them.
"Heh, Jill finds it exhausting. I keep telling you not to wear boots with those outfits." he said, winking over at the red haired woman her crossed her arms at his words.
"And I keep telling you to not take naps wherever you feel like it when you have work to do. These boots are comfortable, Haar!"
The newly introduced Haar opened his mouth to reply back when he noticed the black haired mage who looked rather bored with the whole conversation. Smirking, the large man used only one arm to jump over the back of the couch and strode the dark haired sage.
"Well look who we have here! Never would have thought you'd suddenly appear here of all places!" he said loudly as he placed his hands on his hips, staring down at one of the Greil Mercenaries he remembered from the war. Soren raised one eyebrow then nodded in a silent greeting.
"You have not changed." the mage said as he walked around the large man towards the fireplace.
"Aye and neither have you. Still sarcastic and biting people's heads off?" Harr threw his reply over his shoulder, smile mocking.
Jill tsked. "Leave him alone, Haar. At least he knows how to get things done."
Tyna tilted her head to the side, ignoring the servant's curious gaze at their conversation. "Jill, my mother's letter…"
Eyes widening, the red haired woman turned around quickly to the table she was at before. A cream colored envelope with a red seal was placed against the window pane.
"I hope you receive good news." she murmured as she passed the letter over, a concerned look in her eyes. Nodding, the mage stared down at the envelope as Jill walked over to join Soren. She clutched the gown rather high it if meant not tripping again.
"How is Mist?" she asked eagerly, taking a seat on the couch Harr was napping on before as Soren stood right in front of the fire. Mist was a really good friend to Jill during the war and had accepted her when very few did.
"She is well," he replied as his hands reached out towards the flames for more heat," and is happy to be with the others again. Are you sure he won't attack if I say more?"
At first Jill was confused, but when she noticed his thumb pointing back at the scarred servant near the door, she winced. So he was concerned the people of Talrega were still angry. Considering Ike was never far from Soren, could the swordsman have similar thoughts?
Slouching against the cushions, Jill gave a wry smile. "I understand your feelings but know that I had to straighten this whole town out after I returned from Crimea when Ashnard was defeated. Yes they were angry, but deep down, most of them are just happy they are at peace now. Just know that thanks to everything I told them and finally convinced them of, they see you and the others of the Greil Mercenaries different than enemies as they did before."
Peering over the couch's back, she smiled at the servant and waved him over.
"Isn't that right, Nien?"
Nien approached them and stared at Soren who had turned halfway to face him.
"I don't blame you for what happened. I believe that what your friend Ike told my lady about the incident of General Shiharham's death is the truth."
Inclining his head to the servant, Soren faced Jill again. "Talrega is prospering and Ike was glad to see that happening. All us will never forget what happened though."
She nodded and Haar joined them by leaning his hip against the back side of the couch. "Why dress up like that, then? Where are the others from your company?"
Glancing over at his pupil who had opened her mother's letter and was pulling a folded page from inside, Soren turned around so he was warming his backside instead of his front.
"We are heading to the Eastern Lands by request of the Apostle and Queen Crimea. The terms are of a simple expedition concerning resources but it may be for other reasons. I decided to accompany Tyna while the others traveled ahead."
"Other reasons?" Haar asked, his face pinched with a confused frown.
"A feeling, honestly. Something just doesn't feel right about all of this."
Both Haar and Jill shared a look across the lounge couch then faced the sage again. "You always did have good instincts, Soren. Does Ike share your concern?"
"He does."
Jill learned closer. "But what do you-"
A loud gasp interrupted them followed by the toppling of a chair against the stone floor. Jill jumped up and whirled around while the men near her turned towards the young mage as she stared blankly at the clutched letter in her hands. Soren was by her side before anyone else, reached over to grip her elbow as his pupil collected herself. He could smell faint traces of fear from her and only gripped her arm tighter.
"What is it?" he demanded, reaching for the crumpled piece of paper, but she moved it from his reach.
"I have to go home. There are some unreasonable family issues I will need to straighten out with my mother. I owe her that much after all this time I was gone in Crimea."
Nodding in understanding, Jill signaled Nien, who had taken his place over by the doorway again after saying his piece.
"Will you be spending the night here? Tyna, you know as well as I how traveling during the dark is rather dangerous, despite the peace. It would probably be best with how late you arrived. Night is not far off and it gets dark quickly here in Daein."
Sighing in disappointment and defeat, the violet haired woman nodded her agreement. Soren stepped back away from the mage and nodded as well. They would sleep here tonight since he honestly did not want to travel back out in the cold to search for an inn here in Talrega.
They were bid good night by Jill and shown to their own private rooms by Nien. When he was just about to close his door and rest for the night, he noticed his charge's door straight across from his. Her reaction to the letter bothered him at best.
Taking a deep breath, the Branded sage concentrated on bringing his laguz senses forth. Soon everything felt, smelt and looked sharper. As Nien's footsteps sounded far enough away to his now sensitive ears, Soren entered his charge's room quietly. He sniffed once, his gaze trailing towards the bed first and found she had laid down over the covers and had not bothered to change into her night clothes. She had not even started a fire, which he remedied by ending a small fireball to the dry wood and watch it burst into a steady arcane flame.
Soren moved swiftly on mute footsteps to her bedside then crouched down with a whisper of fabric. Her mother's letter was clutched in both hands against her collar bone and Tyna's face was turned halfway into the pillow so only one, closed left eye could be seen. Her heartbeat was steady to his ears and her breathing was deep and even.
Reaching for her face, Soren let the pads of his right hand's fingers skim the skin of her forehead before pressing fully against her left temple. A soft yellow light enveloped the space around his nails with healing power. His previous teacher and Master, Sephiran, was a healer with near no equal except for the Herons. He knew spells that were tricky and more advanced than the modern ones they used now with staves and potions. It was one of those spells he was now using to put his charge fully to sleep.
He would have to admit that Tyna has an admirable amount of determination. In a way, she reminded him of Mist who worked to be stronger every day. But when they had first met, minor signs of her temper which she now strives to keep hidden meant something. Everyone had reasons for their actions, and he wanted to know hers. Maybe he was being too suspicious but if it meant Ike and Mist's safety, he would do just about anything to protect his family.
Tyna never felt the crumpled paper leave her fingers only to be placed on the table beside her, or the brief frown from a certain shade of red eyes before he silently left her to rest.
The morning air was too cold for Mist's comfort, whom was used to Gallia's toasty summer air. She wasn't too happy about the temperature dropping during the night either. Shuffling in her thick jackets and traveling cloak out of the tent she had shared with her brother, Mist headed straight for the steaming cauldron that Oscar was nursing. She gave a shivering smile as a greeting which he returned before handing her a hot, bowl of soup. Boyd joined them, nodding to his brother and for once, there was no axe in sight. He glanced at Mist with a small smile while accepting his bowl, digging right in.
She frowned at this, and placed her spoon back into her bowl which was already half eaten. "What?"
He shook his head then turned away when Ike joined them, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder.
"Will you be alright keeping an eye on those mages?"
She nodded, knowing Soren's routine and technique since he used them to sharpen her skills as well. She also knew that her brother was unused to Soren not being near, hence why he was acting distant. Dipping her spoon, she lifted it to her brother's lips and smiled with sympathy. Ike simply sipped the soup, murmured his thanks and went back to overseeing their camp.
"What's got him all distant now?" Boyd asked after swallowing two spoonfuls of soup. Titania sat down beside Oscar to receive her own bowl and closing her eyes in silent prayer.
"Ike and Soren were near inseparable these past few years. My brother feels uncomfortable without his best friend around and is obviously worried."
"Like there is anything that could harm that guy," Boyd murmured as he slurped from his wooden spoon rather loudly, "and I'm saying that from past experience."
"Oh!" growled Mist as she put her bowl down and stomped off, her cheeks red from her flushing in anger. Boyd blinked and stared down at Titania for an explanation. The beautiful red haired woman simply rolled her eyes at him and continued to sip at her rapidly cooling soup.
"You're an idiot, little brother."
"Wanna fight, bro?"
Titania sipped from her bowl again, inhaling what little steam it gave off. "You would lose."
Stomping over to one of the mages, Mist barked orders rather loudly for them to go through their basics routine. As they all scrambled to do as she bid, the young girl noticed the bundle of orange laguz fur curled up on Ike's arms as her brother leaned against his horse's side.
Ever since Soren firmly left Syris in their care, she had refused to turn into her beorc form. She didn't even bother to speak in the Ancient language, instead hissing if she was bothered or hungry. Mist had to admit that she was a little annoyed at the young laguz' behavior but hoped the little one got over it soon.
Appointing the blue and white haired mage named Rieef drill leader for their practice rounds, Mist went to her brother's side and joined in his silent staring of the bundle in his arms. For a few breathes, neither sibling said a thing.
"She's being rather sulky, isn't she?" asked Mist as she smoothed the fur around Syris' ear with one, gloved finger.
"We've seen this kind of behavior before, especially in the Gallian cubs. If they marked and claimed you as theirs, they would get very possessive of you, remember?"
"Yeah, quite a few of the cubs fought with each other over who I would pet and snuggle first. They could get rather violent."
Ike tightened his grip around the pouting cub in his arms as his eyes turned a certain shade of sad. "But we both miss him. She's only letting me hold her because I smell like him since he's always near me, somehow and someway."
Wrapping her arm around her brother's waist, Mist leaned her head against his hard arm and closed her eyes. "You're both selfish for wanting him by you all the time."
"But he is always there."
Mist was about to reply when a crunching of snow to her right made her turn and see Titania. She was smiling and her armor glinted lightly in the dim light of the day.
"Ike," the paladin said as she opened her arms for the cub which he slowly carried over, "and you as well Syris, need to stop this sulking. Mist is right that you both are being selfish, but right now we really don't have the time to deal with it. Soren is a grown man who can walk alone, as can you."
Ike closed his eyes as Titania adjusted the sleepy laguz in her arms. "Deep down I know all this. But our past discussions of the possible motives the Apostle could have and if the Eastern Lands are worth it have got me on edge. Soren is a presence that makes me relax and he knows it."
Titania crouched down to the snow so she could set Syris on all fours, rubbing at her furry sides to get the blood flowing to wake her up faster.
"I myself had wondered why we were sent out all of sudden, even to throw most of us together when we haven't seen each other in five years. All I can say now is that maybe all our answers lie in the Eastern Lands. it's the only solid lead we have."
Ike nodded along with his sister while staring down at the powerful, female warrior as she carefully trailed her metal clad fingers along the spine of the of the small laguz.
Blinking a few times, Syris shook herself and swished her tail once, peering at the three beorc surrounding her. Titania then placed one hand over the shoulder blades of the laguz, and pressed downward gently but firmly. Ike and Mist watched as Syris' ears dropped against her head and she lowered herself to the snowy ground, mewling once and only once.
Looking up to face the siblings with a smile, Titania gently pushed the laguz on her side and slowly stroked her underbelly. Soon there was a loud purring sound in the air. "We're on a commission, Ike. Right now, we need a commander to lead us. I know it has been a while and that you are hesitant to fully take your father's place, but you are his son and this is what you know best. No more doubts, otherwise you keep walking backwards from the future. "
Unconsciously, Ike found himself nodding again as the feelings and thoughts deep inside him were voiced. During the war, he was more focused his parents' history and his father's murderer along with guarding Elincia's back to really consider what lay after the fight. Now that there was less pressure some years later, he had more time to think of what he was actually doing. If anything, he could call himself rusty concerning acting like a mercenary which he was sure Shinnon would have a field day with.
Did he really want all of this? Was leading his mercenary family really where he belonged? Would he be as good as his father, or better? Would the war even end, despite their struggles and efforts?
These thoughts sprung around his brain painfully during those sleepless nights while also mulling over all that Volke had revealed the day his mother died. Ike had little thought but to find the one who caused all the strife to his family-the Black Knight. And after his revenge, he had supported Elincia in reclaiming her country back. Then he had been given way too much attention and offers of even more nobility and praise than he could stand, so he packed up what he had, named Titania the Greil Mercenaries Commander and left with only Soren and his sister.
Now he was facing one of the few remnants of his father had left him, their mercenary family, which was all that was left of his childhood and remaining friends. Underneath Titania's words, he could hear the underlying message of "You are done running, right? You have been for five, long years."
He was running away from the responsibility he was raised to rear. His mantle of responsibility. However, he still felt like a boy, waiting for his father's shadow to cover him and assure him he wasn't ready yet.
Slowly, the heavy purring of the laguz cub came echoing back into his ears. Ike blinked and suddenly realized he had drifted off in thought. He really was too selfish, even making his sister and friend stand in the cold of Begnion country while he mulled over his angsty thoughts. Shaking the thin layer of snow of his black strands, the young man brushed his arms free of snow.
"Mist?" he asked aloud, still looking down at his arms as he inhaled cold air through his nose.
"Yes, brother?"
"You need to be supervising those mages. I'm sure Soren would be able to notice if they have lagged in any part of their routines after just two days."
Smiling widely, his younger sister gave a mock salute and reached down to pet Syris behind the ears before walking briskly back over to the group of arcane users. Ike watched her leave before glancing down at the limp looking orange, furred laguz as she was petted and massaged into the snow by the red haired woman.
"Titania, you have always been our sub commander and I will not change that rank, ever. Don't hesitate to correct me if I seem to be faltering. Everyone supports each other and one commander cannot stand alone, right?"
Red eyes softened as for a moment, she saw Greil in his son's determined eyes, and then the phantom was gone.
"That's right, commander," she said, emphasizing his rank teasingly. Looking down at the content laguz at her feet, Titania gave a small nod of satisfaction before stand fully to her feet, " and your little laguz is less stressed. Petting her and getting her to play will give her less reason to sulk around and get grumpy at her age."
Ike blinked as he was graced with another of the older woman's smiles as she turned away from them to head back to the fire. He watched her leave then felt a pressure against his ankle. Syris had leaned her body against the flesh above his foot. She looked happy and less irritable, true to Titania's words. That must have been why Soren put so much attention into her care. She had been a slave previous and was still adjusting to being in a non-servitude environment.
"I forgot she had been to Gallia once before, but don't worry, little one. Soren will return to us. He'd defy death if it meant he would make sure our family was dressed properly."
Three Daein guards on the evening watch along the outer curtain walls of Nevassa Castle did not see the approaching, winged figures from above until it was too late. Puffs of magic from the laguz' transformation to their beorc forms revealed Prince Kurthnaga first as he touched down on the dark gray, stones of the large fortress. The soldiers jumped back as Nasir and Gareth appeared behind the young dragon, both elder laguz rolling their shoulders and stretching their muscles from the long flight.
"Good evening, gentleman," Kurthnaga greeted to the shocked faces of the men as he used some beroc formality Elincia sometimes teased him with, "I hope we didn't startle you too bad."
One of the soldiers reached for the sheathed blade at his side, but Gareth's low growl stayed his hand. The prince lifted an arm to ease his guardian's warning while giving the soldiers a sheepish grin. He would make sure to scold the red dragon later.
"I would like to inquire if Lady Almedha is awake at this hour?"
"Who is asking?" replied another solider as he took a step forward, hands clenched at his side.
Kurthnaga gave them a smile that somehow felt chilling. His patience was warred a little thin due to the stress of the intel he received combined with the long, icy flight straight to this country's capital.
"I'm her brother. Considering my sister's temper, I'm sure she would not like it if she were kept waiting."
"You are being expected? We have no prior notice of this!"
He pressed his lips a little closer together during his smile that looked more and more strained as the minutes went on. "Please take my word for it and lead me to her chambers."
With a reluctant air, one of the soldiers took responsibility of escorting them while the rest went back to their patrols. When they arrived, the dragon laguz were left to wait outside a large, decorated white door as their escort went inside to announce their presences.
The dark haired dragon took in a long breath as he steadied his nerves. He was going to see his sister again after five years since Nevassa Castle was seized during the war. When the solider suddenly walked briskly from the room again, he waved them in and left with a faint mumble of a by your leave. He heard his sister's sharp voice snapping at the guard from behind the closer door and winced a little, remembering how intense she could be.
Kurthnaga again walked ahead of them all first and his sister stood in the center of the room, waiting to greet them. She wore a dress of deep blue while a netted shawl draped over her shoulders. Her deep green hair flowed down her back in lusty waves, showing her health and beauty. The dragon prince sighed as he stood in the middle of the room, crossing his arms halfheartedly in front of him.
Their eyes met as he came closer and he couldn't help but smile earnestly this time, despite his moderately stressed condition. Both elder dragons behind him knelt to the floor in formal greeting to the former Princess of the Goldoa nation.
"Kurthnaga." the regal woman greeted as she reached for his hands when he was but two steps away.
"Sister." he replied, curling his long fingers around her sure ones. She looked behind him to take in the others he had traveled with and lifted a prim eyebrow.
"Something tells me you did not come all the way here just to pay a simple visit. You also have a focused look in your eyes I have not seen in a very long while, little otuomi. What is it that you are up to?"
He squashed the feeling of expecting a happier greeting. His sister had changed considering the past she had with the her human lover and he would accept that fact.
"I'm here to run a few facts past you for confirmation and to ask permission for Nasir to use this palace's library."
She peered over at the kneeling White Dragon with her face pinched in a small frown. So one of the elder dragons were still around and this one was known to travel outside of their homeland quite frequently. He was known to be very sure in his decisions but would avoid wars at almost all costs unless it concerned his family.
"He has permission." she amended, letting go of her brother's hands to turn away from them and walk slowly over to her plush settee. She swept her arm out in a long act, motioning for them to sit. Kurthnaga sat down while Gareth stood behind the settee's back. Nasir bowed and left the room to find his way to the library.
"I don't see how I can help you, Kurthnaga. I have been in the realm of beorc for a while now."
"I know sister, but this is important. I am friends with Crimea's Queen and due to recent events, suspect that the Apostle is acting strangely. Nasir has also mentioned due to his investigations for this matter that he discovered a rather unusual fact. Spirit Charmers have become rather powerful lately."
Dark red eyes widened a fraction and he knew he had her attention. "Now, I am not sure what could cause such a thing since I have never heard of it happening before, but I was hoping you would have an idea. Do you know anything of the Spirits?"
She turned away, her hands pressed primly in her lap. "I know very little. Spirit Charmers have a choice of inviting the spirits into them or have it done for them at the risk of their soul being eaten away. But for the spirits themselves to increase in strength sounds like something from the other side has been tampered with. Nothing such as the Otherworld could change its strength so suddenly unless it is aided."
The prince closed his eyes as a sad smile stretched his lips. "You would have been a great leader in Goldoa."
Almedha narrowed her gaze on her brother, the ruby pupils narrowing noticeably. "I made my choice, our brother suffered for it and I nearly lost my son. I don't regret leaving father's side or yours if it means I can protect him here. Father would never acknowledge me after what I did."
Kurthnaga nodded and got to his feet. He sensed Nasir was coming closer and knew that whatever the elder Dragon was looking for, he had found it. His sister watched him with a blank face to hide her pain of knowing he was using his laguz senses when she could not. A lot of the times she got angry with servants and guards was because they startle her and she was unable to sense them like she could have before her son was born. Some would have expected her to blame her son but she could never bring herself to do so.
"I shall be leaving now sister and I'm glad you are looking well. I am sorry I could not meet my nephew, but would inquire as to what his name is at least."
She watched as he paused on his way to the door, looking back at her over his shoulder with a gentle smile she knew was forced. Her little brother was always the nicer one out of all three of them.
"His name is Pelleas."
"Ah, good name. I hope to see him one day. One who his mother risks everything for is sure to be a great honor to meet."
The woman closed her eyes as she could make out the hidden, bitter tone in his voice. "He has been studying himself into the ground to the point where he won't listen to me when I demand he rests. We are not talking at the moment and I think it is because he is a young man. Beorc's call it the 'rebellious stage' in a young man's life."
It was at that moment that Kurthnaga reached the door and pulled it open. "Then you have your hands full, I guess. I am glad for this chat we had. Farewell, sister."
Gareth had bowed to the former princess and closed the door behind them. When Almedha was sure they were gone, two stray tears crawled down her pale cheeks. She wiped at the saltiness drops angrily, hating how she could still feel shame and regret of past actions that had no chance of being changed. She had made her bed and now she would lie in it until she died.
Outside of the palace, on the edge of one of the outer walls stood Nasir as he waited. The cold, windy air tossed his shoulder length hair to his right as he looked out over Nevassa's surrounding, snowy landscape. He had paused outside the room and then made his way outside, knowing he would be sensed. Sure enough, Kurthnaga walking briskly out of the palace, into the cold air and over to the elder dragon.
"Well?" he asked, leaning against the curtain walls outer ledge.
"The spirit world can be affected by many things, but one of more stronger causes is the one who controls it. The god, Thraklem, has been said to be the one who rules the underworld and the spirits that reside there, dead souls and other things."
"Hmm," murmured Kurthnaga as he held his chin in thought, "from what my father has said since his battle alongside Asherah, the gods have not been active in near a millennium. What would cause one of them to stir now?"
Gareth snorted as Nasir shook his head helplessly. "I cannot even fathom the thought of the gods walking on the same earth as us again."
"Neither can I, and I hope it does not come to that. Let us just hope the Spirit Charmers are taking more then they can get since most of the time they are mistaken for Brandeds."
Both the elder dragon and the Red Dragon blinked and looked at each other briefly. Gareth was the one to ask for both of them.
"Are you alright, my prince?"
Kurthnaga had turned his back to them and propped a foot onto the outer ledge.
"Nothing a hard flight couldn't cure."
And then he stepped off the wall, transforming mid-fall and flying towards Begnion. The other two dragons followed after him, keeping a respective distance in the air since they could practically feel the anguish coming of the young laguz in almost tangible waves.
Shiny golden blond locks the length of six five feet or so were sprawled across the lush pillows of a large, curtained bed. Slim fingers were clenched tightly onto the silky sheets that were clumped across the mattress. Leanne had nearly soaked her bed with her tears from her pain and frustration at not being listened to. She may have been the youngest but she listened to her heart the most. Her mother had told her to always do so and it hurt that others of her own kind would not listen, even her own brother!
She had fallen to sleep crying, barring her door from others coming in so she may weep in solitude. It was now where she continued to cry, in her dreams.
The space around her was a white, foggy dream scape that was spotted with faded hues of red, pink, yellow and green. She walked to no real destination but what she thought was the direction forward. Her wings were tucked in behind her as she clutched her arms around herself, weeping aloud to the empty air. What she didn't notice was that behind her where her steaming tears fell, ripples appeared.
Leanne didn't know how long she walked or if she was even touching anything at all, but it became too much and she slumped to her knees in defeat. Her hands covered her face as the tears started anew, gushing through some of the peeks between her fingers as her wings drooped around her shoulders.
It was at that moment when a soft, female voice spoke out from everywhere.
"Edianakan." Don't cry.
She flinched where she was, looking up and around to spot who was speaking. This was her dream, wasn't it? Random voices could not speak themselves unless she was a laguz gone mad, and she knew the Feral Ones had tortured thoughts at best. Whoever they were, they knew the Ancient Language.
"Akerad! Urinokod!" Who is it? Where are you! Would she classify as mad if she talked back, she wondered.
A soft chuckle echoed back and then a reply. "Nieamonatana." In front of you.
The Heron princess was looking behind her when the voice spoke again, so she whirled back around in a curtain of her moving hair. Faintly through the hazy fog, a small figure moved closer. She scooted back and unfurling her wings in the same moment, ready to fly at any moment. Yet just as she was going to take to the dreamy sky, Leanne paused as she could then make out the figure.
On all fours, it was a see through cat of the red-orange colored fur and eyes a more reddish hue of the fur. The gentleness in which those eyes looked at her made the heron sit back on her knees, eyes wide and waiting. She had never dreamed of a cat talking to her in her dreams before.
"Akerad?" she asked gain, reaching a hand to hopefully touch the soft looking fur but was visibly disappointed when her fingers passed through the spectral cat.
The cat shook her head and sat right in front of the Heron, her long fluffy tail curling her paws. "Adnurakaw." You know.
All of a sudden, she was falling through the white space and no matter of flapping from her wings would slow her down. The whiteness turned brighter and ceased to be fog but a powerful light that enveloped her. It was a presence and once closing her eyes, she knew what it was and welcomed it.
A second later, she was blinking her eyes open to the darkness of her room and the thick curtained canopy of green and brown above her. Moving off of the mattress, she went over to the window that looked out over the gorge from the castle. Reaching for the opening of her dress near her chest, Leanne slowly pulled out Leharan's Medallion. Clenching at it tightly, she paused for just a instant and then crawled up onto the window's ledge. Looking back towards her brother's room, she gulped audibly and gave a shaky smile. Her brother would forgive her only if she came back safe while the others would mostly likely tear the continent apart looking for her. Tibarn, Ulki, Janaff, Nealuchi and…Naesala…
Indifferent, narrowed eyes of the smirking Raven appeared in her mind and she shook it away, determined more than ever before to keep going forward.
Jumping from the window, she felt the metal beneath her fingers become warm for a brief moment. She knew no one would notice her leaving once the treasure became cold again. The princess took a breath and transformed into her laguz form when her falling body was nearing the gorge. Using one of the wild currents to push herself up into the clouds, she pointed herself East. It would be a long flight but she knew with the medallion, she would have the strength to make it there.
With a painful groan, the man fell back onto his bed and took in heaving mouthfuls of air. The red, alchemy circle ceased glowing beneath him as he released the forced spectral form he took in order to influence the bratty Apostle. Like her ancestors before her, she was indeed more powerful than a normal beorc and her body warred with his presence despite her mind being asleep whenever he appeared. It was the reason he was so exhausted after each visit.
The two beorc crouched at points around the bed collapsed to the floor, saliva coming form their mouths. He had stayed too long and he couldn't kill too many of his servants since just making them powerful by force was an effort itself.
He signaled the two men at his door to drag the unconscious bodies away from his room. His head felt so heavy as the layers of sweat poured from his pores along his the hairline of his clear strands of colorless hair. He hated feeling likes this, so weak and easily exhausted. Now he knew why humans pushed themselves so much in their short lives but that didn't mean he liked them any better.
As he lay there resting with his eyes closed, a booted figure walked through the doorway and stood at the foot of the bed, the heavy, gray cloaked covered in swirly designs. After a while of silence between the two, the gray cloaked figure sighed and rolled his shoulders.
"It is really disturbing how you can just lie there and your chest not show if you are breathing."
"Shut up. Is that group of idiots who are still loyal to Ashnard continuing to cooperate?"
A nod was seen from the gray hood and he turned towards the dim lamp on the other side of the bed, showing youthful lips. "They are, although they still don't trust me. It isn't easy hiding this face and my name coming into question while pretty much claiming authority over them all ."
The man on the bed scoffed and opened one white eye to look at the manly figure standing near him.
"Like I care, just get things done. I'm counting on you-"
The gray covered person pulled his hood back, his face revealed by the light of the lamp and glaring off his dark, wavy blue hair.
"Pelleas."
Until the next chapter!
Boom baby! How do like that cliffhanger?
That was 18 pages of work, and I have to say the research and character creation and moving the plot along almost got me confused with myself for a little while. Still, I had to make up for the last time not updating which was in May! Wow, time does fly…
Anyway, thanks to Maxmagnus for constantly sticking with me and all your awesome reviews on about every chapter and to tesso_messo for reviews and inquiries about my drawings. Just thanks everyone for reviewing! I have posted a few sketches with my tablet on deviart so please check them out, peeps!
Thanks to everyone for reading and I hope this LONG chapter entertained you, just a little. A few more people have also recently added this story to their Alerts, thank you! Hopefully the next chapter will come along sooner.
I'm also still on a Fairy Tail (which I recommend reading, both manga and anime) binge along with Naruto. Minato is awesome and ever since the beginning before anything was revealed I always admired him. Please check out my favorites tab in my profile for some awesome stories to read too, since I go for quality a lot of the time. Enjoy and looking forward to your theories, comments and criticism in your future reviews.
Please review! ^.^=
Yours, Kitani~