DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fire Emblem, nor do I own the characters in Fire Emblem. I do, however, own any characters I create for the purpose of this story.

When Swords Cross

CHAPTER EIGHT

Light filtered in through the curtains that covered the window into the king's bedroom and Celice stirred in his bed. He sat up, yawned, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Glancing up at the clock on his wall, he saw that it was midmorning and slid out of bed. He walked past his dresser, and stopped to look at his calendar. When he saw what day it was, though, he did a double-take.

How could I have lost track of time so easily? Today is my birthday! Celice dashed to his wardrobe, flung open the doors, grabbed an outfit, and got dressed as quickly as he could. As soon as he got dressed and opened the door, he felt something charge into him and grab him.

"Happy birthday, Celice!" Julia exclaimed.

Celice smiled. He could always count on his sister to make him smile. "Thank you, Julia. At least one of us has been able to keep track of the days."

Julia then pulled away, but grabbed Celice's arm in her own. "Come on! Everyone's waiting!"

This remark puzzled Celice. "What exactly do you mean?"

"You'll see!" Julia replied.

-8-

Julia led her brother out the castle gate. As soon as he set foot outside, he heard many voices shout in unison, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KING CELICE!"

Celice reflexively jumped back in surprise. Gathered before him stood a gathering made up of, at the very least, the entire city of Barhara. "Wha, what is this?"

"What does it look like, Your Majesty?" said a voice from behind him. Celice spun around to find Johan standing behind him. "The people wish to celebrate your birthday!"

"But this is unheard of!" Celice replied. "To the best of my knowledge, they never did this for Emperor Alvis, or for my great-grandfather, King Azmur."

"The people are far more pleased with the job you have done than with how either Emperor Alvis or King Azmur has done," Oifaye said as he walked from the gate. "They wish to show their gratitude by celebrating your birthday."

"They're that pleased?" Celice could not believe what he had just heard. "But I've only been king for a little over a year now."

"It doesn't take a year to judge character or potential, Your Majesty," Johan replied. "The people have done so, and found you to be what we lords always knew–you are a bright, kindhearted, and courageous person, and a natural-born leader. In other words, in the opinion of everyone present, the quintessential king."

Celice's face turned red. "I . . . I don't know what to say. I'm flattered. But can I really afford to attend a celebration? The life of a king is a busy one."

"You have the day off," Oifaye answered.

"Consider it a gift from the lords of Chalphy, Dozel, Edda, Freege, Jungby, and Velthomer," Johan added.

"There's nothing that needs urgent attention, anyway," Julia said. "The Weissen Ritter and the Roten Ritter have the bandit attacks under control, reparations are going smoothly, and foreign relations have never been better."

"Well, I guess you're right," Celice said. "So, what now?"

"Now, it's time for breakfast," Julia said. "They've set up tables and such in the center square." She then pulled out a bandanna. "But before we go, put this over your eyes."

-8-

"Are we there yet?" Celice asked when Julia brought him to a stop.

"Yes, and you can remove the bandanna," Julia replied. Celice complied, and let his jaw drop when he removed it. There sitting at the tables were the rest of the people who served under him in the war. Aless, Altenna, Arthur, Corple, Delmud, Faval, Fee, Fin, Hannibal, Lakche, Lana, Leaf, Leen, Lester, Nanna, Patty, Sety, Shanan, Skasaha, and Tinny were all present, and Johan, Julia, and Oifaye stood behind him.

"I . . . I don't believe this!" Celice exclaimed. "This is incredible!" Celice seated himself at one of the chairs at the nearest table, where the rest of the kings sat. He then noticed that there was an empty seat next to him. "Uh, who sits here?"

"Anyone you want," Julia replied.

Celice scanned the area. "Nanna, would you join me?"

"It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty," Nanna replied.

"No need for formalities, Nanna," Celice said as Nanna took her seat. He then looked around at his fellow kings. "I don't believe this! This . . . this is great! It's great to see all of you again!"

"We're happy to see you, too, Celice," Sety replied. "Maybe we should make this a regular occasion."

"Not necessarily on my birthday," Celice replied, "but I agree."

"So how have things been going?" Faval asked.

"Not as well as I'd like," Celice replied.

"The Grandbell council is composed of heartless old men," Nanna cut in. "The dukes are great, but everyone else is awful. To them, nothing is more important than pawning Celice off on one of their daughters so they get personal glory and an heir to the throne."

"Really?" Leaf turned his gaze to Celice. "Is what Nanna says true, Celice?"

"Pretty much," Celice said. "And they like to organize balls and whatnot without my consent to arrange something."

"He pulled a fast one on them at the most recent ball, though," Nanna added.

Aless's eyebrows rose. "Oh, I have to hear this. How did you pull that off, Celice?"

Celice turned red. "Well, you see, I had to dance with the girls at the ball and pick from one of the girls I danced with one to take Nanna's place in the Royal Palace. Well, I danced with Nanna at one point, so I picked her, and there was nothing the council could do about it."

"Remarkably clever, Celice," Shanan said. "Sounds like something Levin would have pulled."

"Do I want to know what that means, Shanan?" Sety asked.

"Probably not," Shanan answered.

"Speaking of which, has anybody seen Levin as of late?" Celice asked. All of the other kings at the table gave him negative responses.

Celice frowned. I wonder if that means that Holsety has left this world? When a dragon leaves our world, what happens to the person whose body he uses? At that point, breakfast was served, and Celice focused his attention on his food.

-8-

After breakfast was finished, Celice found Aless approaching him. "Celice, would you mind if I talked to you alone for a minute?"

Celice was puzzled as to why Aless would make such a request, but he decided to go along with it. "Not at all. What do you want to talk about?"

"Nanna."

Celice's heart skipped a beat. "Uh, what about her?"

"Well, I found that story about the ball rather interesting," Aless said.

"Am I that good a storyteller?" Celice replied.

Aless frowned. "Celice, don't joke, please. You know what I meant."

Celice nodded. "She asked me to dance, not the other way around."

Celice's response seemed to catch Aless off-guard. "Oh."

Celice took a deep breath. "Actually, at first, I was too depressed to dance with anyone. I didn't like any of the girls that I had had to dance with. I danced with Nanna because she insisted."

"I see," Aless said, the edge of his hand on his chin. "Does this mean there's nothing going on between you two? You don't have feelings for each other?"

Celice paused, weighing his options. On one hand, he had no idea how Aless would react if he told the truth. He had no idea just how protective he might be of his younger cousin. On the other hand, if he lied and the truth got out, it could damage their relationship, both diplomatically and personally. Finally, he decided he would be better off taking his chances with Aless's reaction to the truth and sighed. "Well, I don't know how she feels about me, but I . . . I think I love her."

Aless closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I can't say I'm surprised." He then paused.

Celice waited for some kind of rebuke. "And?"

Aless looked at Celice, puzzled. "And what?"

"It doesn't bother you?" Celice asked.

"Not really," Aless said. "She's a grown woman, just as you're a grown man. I can't press her to do anything just because I'm her older cousin, or just because I'm the king of Agustria, just like I can't press you to do anything just because I'm your friend. Also, while I do care about her, I try not to be overprotective. Besides, I know you well enough to know that she'd be in good hands if she were to fall for you. So no, I don't mind." He then thought for a moment. "I'm guessing you want to know whether or not she has feelings about you, then?"

Celice's eyes widened. "Are you saying she's told you one way or the other?"

"No," Aless responded. "However, I do pick things up."

"Such as?" Celice prompted.

"Such as the fact that she couldn't go half a day without mentioning your name in one manner or another," Aless replied. "And I seem to recall her giving you a kiss on the cheek when we left for Agustria shortly after you seized Barhara. Then there's also the fact that she asked you to dance with her. Now, I admit that I may be misreading her actions–for all I know, she could just consider you a friend, like she did during the war–but I think there's something more, personally. Still, don't jump to conclusions."

Celice nodded. He then noticed a grin creeping across his friend's face. "What?"

"You know, this birthday celebration is the perfect opportunity for a date," Aless said. "There's going to be all sorts of things going on in town. Ask Nanna to spend the day with you."

-8-

Nanna sat at a table with Altenna, Fee, Julia, Lakche, Lana, Leen, Patty, and Tinny, engaged in conversation. "So, how has Leaf been?" Nanna asked Altenna. "I hope he's been behaving for you."

Altenna laughed at the remark. "Honestly, I don't see Leaf that much. He has me in charge of the southern half of the peninsula, since I know it far better than he does. I still report to him, though he pretty much gives me free reign."

"Any sign of Arion?" Nanna asked.

Altenna frowned. "I'm afraid not. I was hoping he'd stay and help us rebuild, but he disappeared right after the battle here, and I haven't seen him since."

"Nanna, you have someone standing behind you, you know," Fee commented. Nanna turned around and saw Celice standing behind her.

"Nanna, is it all right if I talk to you for a minute?" Celice asked.

"Sure, what is it?" Nanna asked.

Celice glanced at the other girls at the table. "Alone, please?"

"Oh, all right," Nanna replied as she got up. She heard one of the girls–Julia, from the sound of it–giggle as she followed Celice around a corner.

Celice stopped and turned to Nanna. He's fidgeting with his hands. That means he's nervous about something. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well, I hear from Aless that there will be all sorts of things–events, activities, and the like–going on around town," Celice said. Then, he blushed. Nanna fought back the urge to smile, since she found Celice's blushing to be endearing. She also had a feeling she knew what he would ask her, and could feel blush creeping into her cheeks, as well.

"I was wondering if . . . if you'd like to join me for the day as I check the town out."

Nanna smiled, still blushing. "Sure, I'd love to. This is the sort of thing that's better when you have someone to share it with."

Celice smiled himself, still blushing. "Thanks."

-8-

"You know, there are some times where I would prefer to travel about in anonymity," Celice said as he and Nanna walked through a bazaar.

"Such as now?" Nanna asked.

Celice nodded. "Exactly. Though I have to admit that I'm glad for not being bounced around and getting stuck in between other shoppers."

"What do you mean by 'other?'" Nanna asked.

"Well, I figured I could buy something here," Celice replied.

"Why would you buy? It's your birthday," Nanna responded.

"Doesn't mean I can take something from a vendor for free," Celice said. "They have to make a living somehow too, after all."

"That's not what I meant," Nanna replied. "I meant that I'd buy something for you."

"Are you sure?" Celice asked.

"I may not be the ruler of a kingdom like you or my cousin, but I am by no means poor, Celice," Nanna responded.

"Fair enough," Celice commented. "Okay, let's see just what these vendors have for sale."

-8-

Celice ended up deciding on a pair of silver-plated gauntlets that cost Nanna no small amount of money. He initially did not want Nanna to pay, but relented after she assured him that money was no object. As Nanna was paying, however, Celice looked over at the next stand. It appeared to be a jewelry stand. Sitting on the shelf, behind the vendor's head, sat a beautiful platinum tiara with gold trim and a large aquamarine embedded in it. He made a mental note of the location of the stand, and left with Nanna after she received the gauntlets from the vendor.

"Say, why don't I get Tyrfing fixed?" Nanna said.

"You don't have to," Celice replied. "You've done enough already."

"No, I haven't." Nanna stopped and looked Celice directly in the eyes, just barely two feet away. Celice felt himself start to sweat as he stared into her sapphire eyes. How easy it would be to just reach out, pull her to him, and press his lips to hers . . .

"This is your birthday, Celice," Nanna said in a soft voice. "I want to make sure that your birthday is perfect."

You already have, Celice thought. But you insist that you haven't done enough yet, and I know how stubborn you can be. So I won't try to convince you otherwise. "If you insist."

"Good." Nanna then grabbed Celice's hand. "Now, let's head over to the smithy."

-8-

"The blacksmith says that the repairs should take about ten minutes," Nanna said to Celice.

"Okay." Celice sat for a moment. "Uh, Nanna, I'll be right back. I need to, er, relieve myself."

"Huh?" Nanna looked at Celice with a puzzled expression on her face. Then, it dawned on her. "Oh. Well, be quick, all right?"

"Sure thing." Celice rounded the corner. However, instead of doing what he told Nanna he would do, he headed back to the main street. He made a beeline for the jewelry vendor.

The vendor turned pale when he saw Celice approach. "What can I do for you, Your Majesty?"

"How much is that tiara behind your head?" Celice asked.

The vendor turned around. "This? It's 50,000 gold."

Celice winced. Geez, that's pricey! That's as much as my money sack can carry when full! "I'll buy it, but I'd like you to hold it for me. Is that possible?"

"Anything for Your Majesty," the vendor replied. "But I do wonder what this is for . . . oh, wait! This wouldn't be for that vision of loveliness you were with earlier, would it?"

Celice looked around, and discreetly nodded. "But keep that a secret, all right?"

"Anything for Your Majesty," the vendor repeated. Celice pulled out his money bag, handed the vendor the fifty thousand gold, and the vendor took the tiara off the shelf and placed it below the counter. "You can pick it up at any time, Your Majesty."

"Thank you very much," Celice replied, and walked off.

-8-

As planned, Celice and Nanna spent the remainder of the day together. They explored the town, played games, ate meals, and at twilight, danced with the other nobles in the town square. Finally, it was time for the final event of the day. Celice was excited when he heard what it was, though Nanna had no idea what was going on.

"What exactly are fireworks?" Nanna asked.

"Fireworks were invented by the fire mages of Velthomer," Celice explained. "They're essentially projectiles that are shot straight up into the sky, where they explode in various colors and patterns." Seeing the worried look on Nanna's face, he quickly added, "Don't worry, they're completely harmless. Just loud." A few minutes later, the first firework was shot into the sky. It exploded into a sphere of streams of white light. Celice could hear Nanna gasp in the seat next to him. A few more fireworks were then shot off, similar to the first, though one was gold and one was blue. The display continued for a few minutes before Celice felt a cool breeze. Beside him, Nanna shivered.

"You're cold?" Celice asked.

Nanna nodded. "I hate to ask, but could you lend me your cape?"

Celice, however, had something else in mind, and he was feeling quite bold at the moment. "I have a better idea," he said. He then reached out with his arm, wrapped it around Nanna's shoulder, and pulled her up against his body.

This action caught Nanna off-guard, and she tensed, blushing furiously. However, she quickly relaxed into it.

"Better?" Celice asked.

"Yes," Nanna replied, and she rested her head against the king's shoulder. They remained in that position for the remainder of the fireworks display.

-8-

Nanna and Celice, with torch in hand, made their way back to the Royal Palace. Celice took it upon himself to escort Nanna to her bedroom. The two stopped outside the door, and looked at each other.

Celice smiled. "That was the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you so much."

"I should thank you," Nanna responded. "I had a wonderful time." She planted a kiss on Celice's cheek, and walked into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

Inside her bedroom, Nanna lied down on her bed, smiling. I loved every minute of today, she thought. I can never spend enough time with Celice, it seems. I am so glad that I brought my idea of coming here to represent Agustria to Aless.