Interlude - Seas

Kris POV

Grust caught us in the market, so we've escaped onto ships, since losing Medeus and his forces on the waters seems like a good tactic. We hide there for what feels like weeks, but was probably only a couple of days, plotting out where to sail to begin again.

I remember the last time we were on a ship. My stomach protests the memory. Luckily, no one thinks anything about someone being sick on a ship.

I hated ships. I hated ships. Why were we on a ship? I hated ships. Gods above, I hated ships.

"Easy, Kris," Marth murmured, rubbing my back soothingly. He was one of the two people on this ship who really knew why I was sick. Everyone else just thought it was seasickness, the same that got others, but it wasn't. No, I was sick because I remembered what happened the first time I was on a ship, and while the trip from Talys hadn't been so bad, this one was. "I'm rather surprised you had anything left in your stomach to throw up."

"Shut up," I groaned, curling up a bit more. I was facing away from him, but he didn't mind. He just continued rubbing my back, and gently teasing me. "Ugh…"

"Do you want to try sleeping?"

"No, I see it when I close my eyes." I could see the fire coming. I could see my spell piercing through. I could see the ship slowly sink beneath the waves. "How much longer?"

"I don't know. We're trying to figure out the best place to land. We want to try and get as close to the Millenium Palace as we can, to make it easier to liberate."

"That's Archanea palace, right?" I whimpered as my stomach rolled again. I was going to have to kill more. I'd thought I was getting used to it, but clearly, I wasn't. "Then it's trying to find Falchion, because there's only one super sword that kills dragons."

"Wendell told us there's wyrmslayers and other things."

"I said 'super' sword." I sighed. "Be convenient if there was a second Falchion."

"Who would wield it, though?" Marth's voice saddened. "There is only my sister and me. Elise can't wield Falchion."

"Maybe she could wield the second?"

"She doesn't know swords. She never wanted to learn." A knock on the door startled both of us. "Come in?" Marth instantly flinched as the words came out automatically, and I had just enough time to roll over and glare at him before the door actually opened.

"Prince Marth?" A man I only vaguely recognized walked in, some new recruit Caeda brought in during the last battle. "My apologies for disturbing you," he continued, bowing. "I wished to speak with you, and was directed here."

"It's fine, soldier," Marth replied. I just hid under my blankets, barely resisting the urge to swat at him. "You are?"

"My name is Roger, sir, of Grust." Roger straightened and smiled slightly. "Well, I suppose 'formerly'. I thought it proper to ask your permission to join, but things got a little hectic there."

"Ah, yes, you're the one who helped us reach the docks." Marth smiled. "Might I ask about the sudden change of heart?"

"Well, my heart wasn't really in it and…" Roger's face began turning red. "This fetching lass named Caeda asked and…" He shrugged, grinning. He didn't seem to notice how Marth's face blanked. "Well, what can I say? I think I'm in love! Or, infatuated at least. You try saying no to a girl who stops in the middle of battle just to ask you about love." He laughed, and I had to resist the urge to giggle as I realized Caeda weaponized her good looks and charm. "Must've turned red as a strawberry!"

"I see…" Marth managed a smile, but all my amusement fell away at it. I doubted Roger would notice a difference, but I did. His smile was stiff compared to his usual. "I thank you for joining us, Roger. But… ah…" He gestured towards me, and I peeked over the covers to give my best pathetic look. "Kris really doesn't like being around people when she's ill."

"Oh, of course!" Roger's blush faded and he gave me a sympathetic smile. "I think the healers have a lovely ginger tea on pot. Should I make sure some comes this way?"

"That would be wonderful. Thank you." Math kept up that stiff-but-not-stiff smile as Roger bowed again and leaved, quietly shutting the door behind him.

"I bet it's a misunderstanding," I reassured. I reached out to grab his hand, squeezing it tightly. "I'm sure it's just Caeda being nice and Roger making assumptions." I gave him as best of a smile as I could, though I knew it was wan. "Why don't you go talk to her?"

"I can't leave you, though," he protested. He at least let the strained smile fall. "I mean…"

"Come on. You think you'll be helpful while moping?" I managed a grin as he grimaced. "Go on." I let go of his hand and nudged his side weakly. "Then come back for teasing."

"...Fine." He stood up and tucked the blanket around me. "I'll see if I can find someone to sit with you, though."

"I give." I pulled the blankets over my head again. "Make sure it's someone I can tolerate."

"Of course." He patted my back through the blanket and walked off, one slow step at a time. I heard the door open and then shut again. Then all was quiet.

I tried to not freak out. In the silence, though, I could hear the screams, and my stomach rolled again. I shivered and curled into myself, trying not to puke for the fifth time today. Marth was right. I really didn't have much in my stomach. If I threw up any more, I might actually have to move in with Lena, so that she could do some doctor thing to get me nutrients so I didn't starve. I didn't know the details. I just knew that malnutrition sucked.

The door opened again, and I cautiously peeked out from the blankets. To my surprise, I found Cain standing there, holding a steaming teacup, far finer than anything I thought we had.

"Apparently, Princess Nyna had a few of these in her things," he explained, taking Marth's vacated chair. He waited until I had pushed myself up before passing me it. "Dame Diana looked surprised, so she thinks it's something King Stephen of Aurelis snuck into everything. Princess Nyna doesn't want exclusive use for them, and she was in the infirmary getting her wounds looked at when I came to get you a mug, at Roger's request." He smiled slightly. "She heard it was for you and insisted you have one of the fancy mugs. Something about it making you laugh one way or another, and that was always good for a sick girl."

"Well, I'm laughing at how ridiculous it is for a thief to drink from such fancy things," I replied, giggling. I took a sip of the tea, and felt my stomach ease almost instantly. "What's this sweetened with?"

"Honey."

"We have honey?"

"Diana had some. She was making a cup for Princess Nyna, and insisted on adding it to yours as well." He smiled slightly. "I don't know if she has any idea of why you're really sick, or if it's just because you're sick, or if it's because you're the only one as sick as Princess Nyna and her protective instincts carried over."

"She's a murdering mother." I grinned as he snickered. "So, what's going on with the army? I don't hear much."

"Cabin fever is setting in, which means everyone is going a little crazy. Like Draug, who tried to lift up… oh, it must've been over five barrels with one hand on a dare."

"...Isn't Draug one of the more reasonable ones?" My eyes widened. "What else? Please tell me?"

"Sure." He grinned and launched into tales I half thought were made up on the spot. But I didn't care, because they made me laugh, and they kept me from thinking of that day I sank a ship and drowned a bunch of people.

The tea was nice, though. I'd have to remember to thank Diana for the honey.

At some point, Hardin poked his head in and insisted that I come onto the deck for some fresh air. I had wanted to protest, but he had been insistent, so I'd let him and Cain help me up on the deck. I quickly saw that Nyna was also up here, probably what prompted people thinking I needed to come up too, and had a very pretty, simple shawl wrapped around her as she sat on some small barrels. Diana, as always, was near her, calmly brushing and braiding her hair while snarking at something this Jeorge guy said. I didn't know much about him, other than he was the most skilled sniper on the continent, and that most of the archers in the army looked up to him as a role model. Watching them, though, he honestly just seemed like a guy trying to flirt. Then again, some of the most dangerous people I ever saw on the streets were the ones who acted like flirts and fools. No one expected them to be skilled. Maybe it was the same.

Still, as Cain and Hardin set me up on a different barrel-chair thing, I had to fight off the urge to scowl. Merric was chatting happily with Marth and Caeda, and while I was glad to see that the latter two were good, I was just… jealous. I was jealous, because he was a skilled mage, and… honestly, he was also Marth's friend. He was like me, but better. He was friendly, and not sarcastic. He was smart, and had a history with Marth. He was a noble, who actually knew his family. He was a powerful mage, with a super special spell.

What was I? Yes, I had talents, but it felt like he just overshadowed me. I thought I had a place, a role, something that I could do. I thought… you know… I had promised. I had promised to 'keep up with Marth'. But, if someone could do it better, then why…?

"Pegasus knight incoming!" someone shouted suddenly. Everyone jerked their heads up towards the air, where a pegasus knight seriously was heading right towards us, short blue hair flapping past her in the wind. I heard many archers string their bows and knock their arrows, but I noticed something quickly. I always did have good eyes.

"Don't shoot!" I screamed. I stumbled to my feet, pushing past Cain, and turned towards Marth, who brought up his hand instantly, silently ordering the archers to listen to me, even though I knew he couldn't see either. He just trusted me. "She's got her hands out, like the whole 'don't kill me please' gesture." I hesitated before adding. "Minerva had three with her when she left. One might've had blue hair like this one? I was a little distracted at the time."

"Still, there's a good chance this is not an enemy," Marth murmured. He nodded. "Very well. Let her land." He glanced at the archers, who looked hesitant. Only Gordin and Norne removed their arrows from their strings. "Now. Clear an area."

Slowly but surely, the soldiers listened, leaving a large area in the middle of the deck clear. As the pegasus knight spiraled down, I walked over to Marth and stood next to him. He'd done this at my recommendation. I had to see it through too.

The pegasus knight landed very gracefully and lightly in the cleared space, as if worried she'd scuff the wood. She dismounted just as gracefully, and then pointedly took the lance off her saddle and handed it to the closest person, Abel. Then she walked over and, gracefully because this girl apparently did everything gracefully, knelt in front of Marth. "My name is Catria, Prince Marth," she whispered, bowing her head. "I am one of the Whitewings, Princess Minvera's personal forces. I bear a message from her."

"Is it about why she could not join us earlier?" Marth asked. He crouched slightly and touched Catria's face. "Raise your head. There's no reason to beg. I would love to hear."

"...Thank you." Catria raised her head as asked, and I saw how her hair and eyes were the same color blue, a deeper, more vibrant shade than mine. "And yes, your highness, it does relate to that. If I may?"

"Certainly." Marth stepped back and smiled gently at her. I thought her eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush appeared on her face, and I barely managed to keep from facepalming. My silly prince was more of a lady killer than I thought, apparently. "What is it?"

"It is simple." Her eyes became serious again. "My lady wishes dearly to fight alongside you. Moreover, she is willing to bring her entire order of the Whitewings, though we are separated since Michalis rightly guesses our wavering loyalty to him. But, there are…"

"Extenuating circumstances."

"Yes." She bowed her head again. "In order to secure Princess Minerva's cooperation, Princess Maria, her younger sister, was taken hostage, at King Michalis's own suggestion. While she is in enemy hands, my lady simply cannot..."

"Please, once more, raise your head. There truly is no reason to beg." Marth kept the gentle smile as Catria hesitantly lifted her head once more. "Your message is that Princess Minerva wishes our assistance in rescuing her younger sister."

"Yes…" She bowed her head again. "I know you said there is no reason to beg, but this is… I cannot stand them hurting. So, even if there is no reason, I…"

"Your pegasus is worried about you." This time, Marth offered his hand to her and helped her up. "See?" He pointed to the pegasus, who pawed at the deck for some reason. "Please, Dame Catria, tell Princess Minerva that we will do what we can to assist."

"Truly?!" Catria's face lit up with a smile, and this time, I was sure she was blushing. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" She bowed deeply to him. "I'll let my lady know right away!"

"Safe travels to you." Marth smiled and waved her goodbye as she leapt onto her pegasus, almost actually leaving her lance behind. Abel barely managed to pass it back to her before she took off, a small trail of feathers trailing in her wake.

"Is it wise to trust her?" Hardin asked softly, leaning on the edge of the ship, watching her leave. Despite the words, he actually didn't look angry, or even exasperated. Many others in the crowd didn't share the good 'humor'. "She seems sincere, but… taking a princess hostage?"

"They did it for the Grustian twins," Diana revealed casually. She shrugged as everyone looked at her, practically ignoring them as she fussed over Nyna's shawl. Apparently, it was far more important than dropping that little bit of knowledge. "I've known for a bit, yes, but there was nothing to be done. Sadly, I've no information on where they're being held, only that Garf took him." She shrugged again, this time ignoring everyone's attempts to figure out who she was talking about. "Besides, Hardin, I mentioned it earlier. The cleric?"

"Ah, that's right. You told me there was a cleric hostage in Deil."

"I did, though I certainly didn't make the connection."

"Princess Maria follows the path of a healer," Lena added quickly. Her face went red and hesitant as she became the sole attention of the army now. "I… actually taught her the basics, before I… ran. It's complicated. But she is a cleric, technically."

"The point is that this isn't the first time we've heard about it," Diana continued, taking the attention from Lena. Since Lena looked so damn relieved at that, I wondered if Diana had done it on purpose. "I'd say it's pretty probable. We also have people among the army who know Deil well." She pointed to Nyna and Jeorge. "Deil is one of the Great Houses. These two spent large chunks of their childhood there. In fact, Jeorge here spent large chunks of his adult life there, since he used to date Midia."

"I find it fascinating you have such a detailed list of my love life," Jeorge instantly teased, grinning. "Why is that?"

"I had to listen to Astram bitch about it. Something about how he hoped you could find your 'true love' or whatever sappy nonsense he gets into, before going on about all of Midia's perfections. I try to tune him out when he's like that, but some things filter in no matter what."

"That does sound like him, yes." Jeorge shrugged. "Regardless, she's right. Princess Nyna and I do have knowledge of the terrain, and I know some of the secret paths inside. They were perfect for winning hide and seek as children. Securing Deil would also provide us with a good foothold to reach the palace."

"Plus, Hardin, you and I are acquainted with Princess Minerva," Diana pointed out. She smiled slightly. "That's why you're not protesting. You're simply wondering, because someone needs to."

"You clearly have been around me too long," Hardin 'complained'. He shrugged and looked to Marth. "I worry for our chances, and if we're wrong…"

"I know it is a gamble, but I have a good feeling about it," Marth replied. He smiled sheepishly. "I should have waited to agree, though. I'm sorry."

"I don't see why you should apologize, Prince Marth," Nyna murmured. She smiled gently at him. "If there is even a chance of her being right, I would like to try as well. Children should not be dragged into wars, though war certainly doesn't care."

"So, we head for Deil. We should…"

At this point, I figured I was no longer needed. It was going to be war and tactical things, and my stomach was rolling again as I looked and saw the other ships. I was reminded of that day, and I just… wanted to go to bed.

I hated ships. I wanted to never sail again.

Author's notes: Normally, the group would sail to Pyrathi, but it's… a strange chapter. You go to the island, you fight a manakete, and then Catria appears with her plea and suddenly, whoops, no one ever mentions Pyrathi and the manakete again. So, for purposes of pacing, I removed that chapter, and replaced it with an interlude. The Marth-Roger conversation is technically something from the previous chapter, but I included it here since Kris is more likely to overhear that.

Next Chapter - Princess Minerva