Chapter 12: Answers

Marcia had already left the capital, Gatrie noted. He sighed... If only he had more time to flirt with her.

But there was a more pressing issue at hand...

Soren sat by Reyson's bedside as Rhys and Mist, having mastered the healing arts much more fluently, were caring for the heron. Reyson had regained consciousness, but he was still in great pain, and badly wounded. Soren stared deep into the heron's green orbs. "Tell me, Prince, why would you be so foolish as to bring yourself in harm's way?"

"Soren!" A multitude of voices yelled. It was very rude of him to demand such an answer from Reyson, but Soren didn't care. After all, harsh words were necessary in the face of blatant idiocy.

Reyson stared back at Soren with equal firmness. "I was a resident of Gallia, since Tibarn left me in the care of the beast tribe. These southern forests remind me of my beloved Serenes... But as I was traversing the forest with my sister, the rebellion began, and before I could flee here, my path of retreat was cut off. There was a laguz who stood by me. His name was Kyza, I believe, but it seems that he was forced to abandon me in favor of survival... After all, it was certain that these rebels dare not kill me. However, I didn't anticipate that they'd be so bold as to wound me so..."

Soren scoffed. "You didn't anticipate... Do you know how much of a pain it is, to care for your defenseless hide? Sometimes I wonder why you even joined an army if you cannot fight. Yes, you can rejuvenate our forces, and that makes you critical for victory, but in order to do that you must be in or adjacent to the frontlines, and because of that it puts you right in front of the enemy lines. They can so easily slay you, Reyson, yet you do not see it, do you? You believe that it is brave and noble of you to stand by your warrior comrades, and maybe it is, but even so it is very, very stupid of you to get yourself in harm's way when your comrades in question are not hardened and mighty war veterans like us. I suppose you can't blame Kyza for realizing that protecting you would lead to all of you dying. At least by Kyza's retreat he alone survives to fight another day."

Ike shook his head. Soren needed to learn how to be more cordial. Such harsh words would bound to get someone into a murderous rage... Heck, he'd already infuriated Lethe to that level. He was lucky that Lethe was a friend, for if he were to taunt a foe, Soren would be dead.

Reyson began to ruffle his feathers. "We all have our duty as members of this army to fight wickedness no matter where it is. I am Reyson, Prince of Serenes, who stood by the warriors of the Mad King's War. If I stood by in an unconcerned manner or fled while the nation of Gallia is falling apart, would I have the right to continue claiming that I am a member of this army? No, I would not. I would be a mere coward, I could not call myself Reyson, and I would have no right to point out my name among that list of heroes. Soren, several times in the face of certain death you rushed forward to heal our wounded comrades with your mend staff. True, unlike me you are capable of counterattacking with your powerful magic spells, but in hand to hand combat you are badly outclassed, for the heavy swords and axes the enemy wields could easily chop you in half. Yet you rushed forward and risked your life. You acted like a fool as well.

"It is true that I cannot fight, and sometimes I feel horrible when I see an enemy unit nearby, yet I am unable to take it down. But since I can help my allies with my songs, I force myself to stand beside them, even if it might seem like suicide. As a member of this army, it is my duty to assist my comrades no matter what." Reyson's eyes narrowed as he shifted his feathers.

"Suit yourself." Soren shook his head and left the tent. Ike turned to Reyson. "I apologize... You know how he..."

Reyson smirked. "As her majesty Elincia once said: 'You've no need to scold Soren. His words are just that. They do me no harm.' That's what you told me, right, Ike? He's an angry one, your tactician, but though it is difficult for him to express his intentions, in the end he means the best... Even if I do wish I had the strength to strangle him every once in a while..."

"You seem rather calm, your majesty." Muarim noted, scratching his chin. "A few years ago you were rather adamant and even slightly vindictive... Back then, anyone who would ruffle your feathers would infuriate you." "There's no point in getting angry when it won't do any good, right?" Reyson sighed. "Now please let me be... I'm tired and I've answered all your questions."

Ike, Muarim, and all those who worried about Reyson's safety knew that he needed rest. They left Rhys and Mist to care for the heron.

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"Congratulations, Marcia! You were able to arrive in time. Janaff, it's good to see you!"

"Ah, Lucia! So it looks like you didn't need a chaperon after all!" Janaff slowly descended from the sky and landed on the ground. "Yeah, was that your plan to send Marcia to us alone? She seemed to have some trouble fighting all those ravens." Janaff turned to the pegasus knight with worried eyes.

Marcia scowled. "It's not like I wanted to pick a fight with them! They were just... Just so powerful, that's all. If I had a brave lance like Geoffrey I could spear every single one of those lying crows! Those crows aren't just insults to the laguz, they're insults to all living things! Seriously, they tried to mob me!" Her eyes flared. Lucia, Janaff, and even Ulki were a little intimidated at this sudden show of rage on her part.

"Everything will try to mob you. That is the fundamental rule of total warfare. Janaff, Ulki, it is good to see both of you, even under these circumstances. We have little time to chat and relax. There's plenty of time for that after we destroy the rebels. Now, how many hawks did you bring with you, Knights of Phoenicis?" Soren asked.

Janaff, Ulki, Lucia, and Marcia shuddered a little, startled by his sudden appearance. "I didn't even hear you coming..." Ulki managed, his calm composure completely shattered.

Soren smirked. "I'm well aware of that."

Janaff managed to control himself. "We brought fifteen legions, a hundred and fifty thousand, if you will."

"The enemy has nineteen legions of ravens. Well, maybe less thanks to their casualties in their last attack, but even so we're still outnumbered, though by a much smaller margin. As long as we tread lightly, we should be able to win regardless of troop size. Anyways, we've wasted enough time as it is. Janaff, I ask that you take fifty Phoenicis knights and try to spy on the enemy fortification to the south. What kind of weapons are they using? What sort of troops are guarding the facility? That sort of thing. Ulki, please guide twenty five of your fellow hawks and listen for whatever rivers, or bodies of water, or hidden ambushes or traps they might have for us. I have to know the terrain before I can make a decision as to how to proceed. With that said, it is good to see you again, but we have no time for small talk. I ask that you get moving as soon as possible." With that, Soren turned his heel and walked away.

Marcia blinked and turned to the others. "Well... Perhaps we should follow those instructions. Master Soren knows what he's doing..." Ulki sighed and left. Lucia turned to Janaff. "I... Apologize for his behavior." She sighed, shaking her head. "What's there for you to apologize? You're not his keeper." Janaff turned to her. "You have no fault in this." He clarified. "But Ulki's right, Soren will probably get annoyed so I'd better get going."

Marcia turned to Lucia. "Well, I guess we'll have to chat later then." She sighed as she walked off. Lucia turned to where Soren was headed, and sprinted in that direction.

Soren continued walking forward. A gloomy look consumed his red orbs as he scanned the land ahead of him. "I can't afford to waste time... The last time we had a happy chat around a campfire, Rhys was nearly killed in an enemy ambush... One time, after a happy chat with Titania, I wasn't paying attention and Tormod nearly got skewered by two enemy soldiers. And... And at Delbray Brom was almost electrocuted when I was too busy reminiscing on my victory over Petrine. Joy cannot exist on the battlefield, it only brings suffering because, as humans, we get distracted thinking of those memories. It clouds our judgment, and makes us unable to make correct tactical decisions." Soren mumbled bitterly.

At that moment, he heard an angry voice behind him. "That was rather rude of you."

"Lu-Lucia?!"

"I'm sure you're glad in the fact that you broke their merry mood."

"Lucia, I..."

"You what? What excuse do you have for being so rude? I should have known... You were cruel to Reyson earlier today, and I guess you had to come in there and break our conversation, didn't you?"

"Merriment is not what warriors can afford to have, Lucia. You should know that better than I."

"What do you mean?" Lucia glared back at him. Her eyes both showing rage and curiosity.

"When one is happy, one gets distracted by that happiness. Because of this, one can make great errors in battle. There was a time back when Sir Greil was still alive... We were having a small campfire and a group of bandits suddenly ambushed us. Titania, Gatrie, and Shinon were back at the fort, leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. Rhys nearly got killed! And, during the Mad King's War, because I was still reminiscing over my victory over Petrine, Brom got hit by a Thoron tome and nearly fell had Mordecai not come to his assistance and crushed the mage with his paw. Too many errors can easily be made in battle... Which is why we must assume solemn and vigilant moods. Only then can we stay alive."

"Then what of love and glory? Are they not "merry" emotions? Do they not give one happiness when they are fulfilled?"

"... Love is meant for warriors only after the battle, when victory has come and the war is over. During battle, one may lose one's focus if one cares for one's lover on the battlefield. War isn't a place for love, nor a place for happiness. With you slaying other people, and watching your comrades fall before you, pray tell me: where is the joy? There is none... Glory, too, comes after the battle is won."

Lucia stared at him. "Then what of the moment before battle? Gloom also serves as a distraction, correct...?"

"Well..." Soren stood there for a moment. He tried to think of a rebuttal but none came to him.

"When you converse with comrades and friends before battle, it does not necessarily mean that you intend to forget about the upcoming fight. On the contrary, beorc and laguz are social animals. We need companionship in order to thrive or we become miserable and gloomy. When you are sorrowful, you also get distracted and do not perform your best, correct? Merry conversations before battle help provide a more optimistic attitude before battle. Of course, being too optimistic is foolish, for you do not adequately measure your risks and thus you have the chance of getting killed, but some optimism before the battle allows you to be confident and thus not be indecisive, for that is also a horrible mistake one can make before battle, no?"

"So what is your point?"

Lucia's eyes narrowed. "Isn't it obvious by now, or are you truly content with being alone and shunned by everyone? You have friends, Soren, friends who care for you very much. This isn't like the days of your past, when people used to leave you abandoned..."

"How are you aware of such things?" Soren's eyes widened, his hands tightening into fists. Lucia drew back a little. "Ike and Elincia are quite close. She asked about you and he told her everything... She merely told me afterwards..."

"And I thought I could trust Ike! I don't want my personal biography to be given to the world!" Soren snarled.

"How long do you intend to live, hidden underneath that cloak of cruelty? How long do you intend to traverse the world with only Ike as your companion? Ike is your dear friend, but no one can thrive with only one friend beside them. Times have changed, Soren. Among our forces, you are the most respected of our strategists. Everyone believes in you. Don't be so eager to shove us away."

"Lu... Lucia... You do not understand what I've been through... You've lived a life as a noblewoman. You have no idea what it's like to be scorned by all."

"True, I may not, but why do you think that Ike understands...?"

"Because... Because he..." Soren stammered, but the answer could not be found no matter how desperately he searched for it.

"Because you have faith that he does. You trust him with your life, maybe more than that, but what you should realize is that he's not the only person who cares deeply about you. He's not the only person who winces each time you get hit by an enemy or clutch your arm in pain. He's not the only person who makes sure that you show up during every meal and makes certain that you are well at all times. You have many such friends, Soren... And it's important for you to recognize and appreciate them as such."

Soren stared at her and thought for a moment. She was right. Back when the Greil Mercenaries were not legends, Titania, Rhys, Oscar, Boyd, even Gatrie would be nearby and make sure that Soren would show up at every meal and stick around during group gatherings. They did care about him, yet all he did was give them cold shoulders...

Then he looked at her. Here she was, trying to reassure him that there were others who cared about him deeply. Soren blinked, not even Titania would have the patience to tell him this... He had tested the older woman's patience and made her annoyed at him, but Lucia was different. Lucia truly did care about him, this sullen mage who'd annoy the vast majority of people who tried to talk to him. Janaff, Ranulf, Zihark, these people were normally rather amicable, but Soren had tested all of their patience and made all of them fear his presence. Muarim, the calm and peaceful tiger, tried to befriend Soren, and failed miserably, even though he wasn't annoyed at the mage... Yet...

"Lucia, I..."

"Yes?" She raised an eyebrow. The girl stared intently into Soren's red eyes, and she could tell that the mage was moved by her sincerity. He gave her another rare smile, and spoke. "Thank you, for everything..."

Lucia smiled back. "I'm not the only person you should thank."

"You're right... I should talk to the others. Lucia..." Soren grabbed her hand, and she was startled a bit, but quickly calmed down. "Soren?"

"Take care... Don't... Don't die on us... Elincia and Geoffrey aren't the only people who care deeply about you..." He let go of her hand and stood in front of her, awkwardly.

Lucia beamed at him. "I know, take care, Soren."

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At dinner, the Gallians, Crimeans, and Phoenicians noted that their master strategist, Soren, was acting rather strangely. He was rather chipper, participating in conversations with some witty dialog. To be honest, Ranulf, Janaff, and Titania were pleased with the new Soren, even if it was rather sudden. But they weren't going to treat the issue as though it was some big deal.

Ike observed his best friend closely. Something seemed strange, it was as though gloomy old Soren had been replaced by someone with a much better attitude. He noticed that Soren was spending a lot of time with Geoffrey's sister, the Lady Lucia, and apparently she was a good influence on him. Ike decided to talk to Lucia personally.

Lucia was in her room, polishing her sword. She smiled at the thought that Soren seemed to be in a much better mood, when Bastian suddenly entered.

"Bastian!"

"Milady, thy beauty far outshines the sun!"

"Um, right... How are you doing?"

"Oh, milady, I'm flattered! I am doing very well... Now, Ike wishes to see thee... It may be best to follow the commander's wishes..."

"Very well, then, Bastian. Would you mind? I have to change."

"Oh, of course, milady. I have not married thee yet."

"And you never will." Lucia muttered under her breath as Bastian left her room. She quickly shut and bolted the door behind him.

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"General Ike, you wanted to see me?"

"Oh, yeah, Lucia..."

"So, what may I do for you?"

"Well, I've noticed that Soren's been acting strangely recently..."

"Oh? How so?"

"You haven't noticed? I guess you never knew him as long as I have. He normally has a..."

"Gloomy, slightly arrogant, and bitter aura around him, yes? Well, aren't you glad that he's changed so dramatically?"

"I'm not complaining, not at all, but I'm just curious... What did you do to him?"

"Some people need more attention and reassurance from others... Soren happens to be one of those people. He's lived a life of pain and solitude, which is why he respects and cherishes you so deeply, Ike. You're his best friend, and for a long time you were his only friend. But, when I look at him, I see a man with such great potential to inspire and befriend others, so naturally I had to bring that potential out of him. He's... He's a great man, that Soren..." Lucia began to shift awkwardly, and her face began to turn slightly pink, and Ike laughed.

"You love him, don't you?"

"Yes, I... What?!"

"I've seen that look in Titania's eyes when she thinks of my father. I've seen that look in Elincia's when she looks at me and talks to me. Much of the world is missing that look, that feeling, which is why it's reassuring to know that you care for Soren so deeply. You're right, he's had such a tough life, and he needs you more than me."

"I..."

"Don't be embarrassed, Lucia."

"Ike..."

"Seriously, I'm happy for both of you. Take care of my best friend for me, Lucia."

"Ike, I... I will. But I must have you promise something."

"What is it?"

"Soren said that he trusted you in not confiding any of his personal information, yet you apparently told Elincia about his painful past... And she told me. What I'm getting at is, well, don't tell anyone else about us, please..."

Ike smiled. "If I hadn't told Elincia, you wouldn't have been so successful at helping him, right?"

"True..."

"I won't pass this around in vain, but I think that some people have to know, in particular, Bastian... I'm not sure how Janaff would react, though. That you'll have to find out on your own. Take care, Lucia. I have some work to do..."

"Best of luck, commander."

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