Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Awakening
The rain poured from the sky, a fitting tribute to the current mood of the company making their way through the mire. There was talk, most of it encouragement between members to keep going. They needed to keep moving, they couldn't afford to stop.
Cordelia shut her eyes against the downpour, her mount's wing beats sounding like a heartbeat. She was in shambles, but she couldn't let herself wallow in self-pity. Not when those like her lord were far worse off.
"Wh-why do you want to know how she feels about you?"
"Because I think...I'm in love with her..."
What a cruel joke fate had played. To give her hope for something she wanted so much, then snatch it away.
"I can't say...how she feels about you...You'll have to find out for yourself."
She hadn't had a single chance to talk to the tactician since that encounter. It had all been such a whirlwind after that. And then...and then...
She tried not to think too much about it. How Phila, her commander and mentor, had fallen to Risen arrow. She tried not to recall how the exalt, Emmeryn, fell from her perch high above. Because of those events, they now fled for their lives, needing to escape Plegia. Plegian forces pursued them.
"Cordelia!" Sully rode up behind her, "Robin wants you and Sumia to split up and scout out ahead! She said to be careful and report back anything you find! We need a solid path through here!"
The pegasus knight nodded, "Understood! I'll be back with what Robin needs."
"You damn well better come back!" Sully hissed, "Nowi did a flyby and spotted some of those dastards coming up our right flank. And who knows how many more of them there are! Watch where you fly, I better not hear that you got shot down!"
Cordelia was touched by Sully's concern, but another thought entered her mind, "You said there are forces coming up our right. Shouldn't we stay behind to help?"
"Robin says we need a route to forge forward in hope of outpacing the dastards," Sully explained.
Distant screams echoed from her memories, voices urged her to get away, to run and warn the exalt. Phila and her guard, falling...She forced herself away from the thoughts. Her comrades needed her to do her role now, "I understand. Be careful, you and everyone else."
Sully chuckled, "Like me or anyone else here are about to let any of those dastards get us!"
Cordelia took off, guiding her pegasus to a higher altitude. She kept a sharp eye out for archers and wind mages. She spotted Sumia, assigned to the same task. The other pegasus knight gave Cordelia an acknowledging nod, but had the sense to not try yelling at her over the wind and rain in mid air.
The two of them set a brisk pace in covering the ground ahead. They kept to an altitude safe from arrows, but wind tomes could still catch them off guard if they weren't careful. After some time, they spotted a large group of Plegian soldiers on the ground below. Cordelia took note of their numbers, their positions, and other things. She flew close to Sumia on their way back.
"That looked bad," Sumia said, "I overheard Khan Basillo and Robin, that's exactly where we need to go for our escape route."
"Then we shall have to inform them that we are in for a fight," Cordelia said, her voice grave.
A brief whistling in her ears was all the warning the redhead got. A powerful wind slammed the pegasus knight. Her mount slipped from its position.
Sumia called for Cordelia as she lost altitude. Cordelia worked on righting her mount, while Sumia conducted what pegasus knights referred to as 'strike and fly.' Sumia dove down from the air at high speed. The mage cried out, before she retreated to a safe altitude.
Cordelia's mount stabilized, allowing her to assess her situation. She far too low. She urged her mount to return to a safe height. The pegasus let out a cry of pain. She looked over, and her heart sunk.
An arrow stuck out of her mount's wing.
"CORDELIA!" Sumia screamed, as Cordelia fell, far from Sumia, or anyone else.
Cordelia's heart raced as world came up to meet them. She gripped the reins, recalling her training. Using everything she knew, she managed to get her pegasus to right itself. A little more effort, and it flapped its wings, making anguished noises. The sounds tore at her, but the pained effort slowed their fall.
The pegasus crashed to the ground. The force threw Cordelia from her mount, hurling her side onto the ground. She stilled, laying there, her body trembling. Mud pressed against her cheek, while raindrops plinked into the nearby puddle.
Her pulse slowed. Wincing in pain, she dragged herself to her knees. Her whole body ached. She hadn't broken anything, thank the gods. But if she got through this alive, she would be spending a day in the infirmary.
Footsteps drew her attention. A Plegian soldier, an axeman, trudged toward her, his jaw set. He stopped in front of her, observing her in a solemn manner, and shook his head, pity clear in his eyes. He prepared his weapon.
She couldn't move, couldn't react, her muscles immobilized by the aftereffects of her landing. The axe rose, prepared to come down and end her life. So...this was how it ended. Perhaps it was for the best. This way, all of the pain and heartbreak would end. This way, things could be simpler...
A sword impaled the axeman through his gut. He choked, his weapon hanging in position. It fell to the ground, as the sword pulled out. The dead man crumpled, revealing her savior.
The figure was silhouetted against the darkness and rain. Lightning flashed, illuminating the sword wielder. Cordelia gasped,
"Marth?"
Marth didn't react, locked into position, her sword aimed forward. Cordelia caught the tip of the blade wavering. After a long moment, Marth released her stance, sheathing her sword. She walked over and offered a hand to the fallen pegasus knight, "A-are you alright, milady?" she asked, her tone formal
Cordelia took Marth's hand, feeling its faint tremors as she was pulled to her feet. She wobbled, and Marth steadied the redhead with her other hand. Cordelia took in the young woman before her. Marth was a young woman in her late teens, who dressed like the hero king of old, and went by his name. She, somehow, wielded the Falchion, a sword that was thought to be unique to the Ylissean royal house before she came. From what Cordelia heard, Marth had first wore a mask and passed herself off as a boy. Her true gender, along with other questions, emerged during the attempt on the exalt's life. Although many mysterious surrounded her, she had done much for Chrom and his family. For that reason, Chrom, and in extension the Shepherds, trusted her.
"I'm fine," Cordelia said, "Somehow...I'm fine..."
Marth exhaled, "I'm truly glad to hear that. But may I ask why you are out here?" She glanced around, "I see none of the other Shepherds with you."
"I got separated from the others," Cordelia explained, "It was terrible judgement on my part...Ah!" Her pegasus! She ran to where her mount rested. It made distressed noises, stretching its neck to meet its rider's hands. "Shhh..." Cordelia stroked its muzzle. She probed her mount for injuries. The fall had done some damage, along with the arrow stuck in its wing. She wrapped her hand around it. She took a deep breath and tugged it out, cringing at her mount's cry. She inspected the wound, "Damn it! I don't have any potions on me!"
"If you will allow me, milady," Marth stepped over, holding her sword near the pegasus. It glowed, like...a healing spell! The injury mended itself right before Cordelia's eyes. The pegasus hauled itself to its feet, flapping its wings.
"Incredible," Cordelia breathed, "I had no idea the Falchion could do that. Chrom's certainly can't."
"I...really can't offer much in the way of an explanation for that," Marth said, averting her eyes.
"I understand,"' Cordelia checked over her mount, making sure no serious injuries remained. She ran her fingers over its coat, "I need to get back to the others. As soon as possible." She hoped Sumia made it back. Oh gods, her friend must be terrified for her.
"It won't be easy," Marth said, "There are more archers in the area, not to mention other scatterings of Plegian forces. Most of them are concentrating in an area not far from here, where I suspect that the Shepherds are. I was going to see if I could offer any assistance."
"I see," Cordelia said, "I have heard of your actions in the past. The Shepherds will be truly grateful for your help."
Marth shook her head, "I don't think they should be. I should never have left after the attempt on Emmeryn's life. I believed I had averted tragedy, only to have it happen in a different way. And once I realized my mistake..." She hung her head, "It was too late..."
Poor thing. Whatever her reasons, saving the exalt had meant a lot to her, "We all did what we could," Cordelia placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, "And that is all we can ask."
Marth lifted her head. Something fragile lurked behind her face, her eyes...wait. Cordelia scrutinized the swordswoman. Marth pushed off Cordelia's hand and stepped back, stopping the inspection. "Thank you for the words," Marth said, "They mean more than you know." She adjusted her scabbard, "Please, allow me to escort you back to the Shepherds. I can take care of any archers you may encounter and ensure safe passage."
How odd. Cordelia thought she saw something strange in Marth's eyes. Maybe it was just her imagination. "I would be glad to have your help," she said.
"It shouldn't be too far now," Marth called to Cordelia, the fallen body of an archer in front of her.
"Yes," Cordelia said, hovering in the air on her pegasus, "Thank you again, for everything." It wouldn't be long now before she was back with Chrom and the others...
Chrom...
A wave of emotion hit her. She looked down at the white coat of her pegasus, a lump crawling up her throat. Marth's shoes squashed in the mud, "Is something bothering you, milady?" She asked.
Cordelia tightened her grip on the reins, "Just...personal things. A lot has happened to me recently." Memories and thoughts flashed. Of Chrom, of Robin, of the Shepherds. Of Chrom's confession...
Marth shifted, uncertain, "I...don't mean to pry, but may I inquire further?"
Some talk with someone outside the Shepherds might do her some good. Someone detached enough from the situation that she could say what she needed to without consequences, and perhaps even receive some advice.
"It's...romantic trouble, actually," She admitted, "There is someone I love...have loved for quite a while. I believed, briefly, that we had a chance. But now, I am not so certain..." That wasn't the whole truth. There was no hope for her and Chrom now. Not when she knew of his feelings.
Marth pursed her lips, "That sounds...difficult..."
"It is," Cordelia sighed, "And painfully so. I truly want to be with him...but I know now that his feelings lie elsewhere. There will probably be a few loose ends to tie up," Such as Robin's feelings and opinions on the matter, "But I'll probably need to move on in the end." If Cordelia was lucky, she and Chrom would remain friends. Perhaps even close friends. But still just friends.
Marth's expression was hard to read. After a moment, she said, "I...I am not well versed in the matters of the heart. I can offer little in the way of advice." She brought a fist to her chest, "But I can tell you that it will work out alright. I..." She gulped, "I cannot guarantee if you will be with your beloved or not...But I can assure you that your situation, as bleak as it may seem, will eventually turn out for the better."
Cordelia smiled, but it was bittersweet, "I shall keep those words in mind. Thank you."
The faint sound of battle caught her ears, alongside distant, familiar voices. "I think those are my comrades." She looked towards Marth and nodded, "Once again, I thank you. Will you be joining us?"
"I...was seriously thinking about it," Marth shook her head, "But on further consideration, it is best if I stay away from now. I will keep any persistent stragglers off your backs...but I cannot accompany you."
"That's too bad," Cordelia said, "The Shepherds would gladly welcome you among our ranks." Such a skilled warrior who had already helped Chrom and Ylisse would be greeted with open arms. Why didn't Marth join them, when they seemed to share similar goals?
"I don't doubt that, milady," Marth smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes, "But I have my reason for keeping away. And only intervening when absolutely necessary."
"Then I bid you farewell for now, Marth." Cordelia pointed her mount, in the direction her friends and allies waited. A strangled sound interrupted her. She whipped her head around. Marth froze, one hand reaching out. Her eyes widened. "Is something wrong?" Cordelia asked.
Marth withdrew, composing herself, "It is nothing. You should leave."
Sensing she would get no more from the girl, Cordelia turned back around, and went to rejoin the Shepherds.
Cordelia sat on her cot, a book opened in front of her.
Marth's words echoed in her head. What had the girl meant? She had heard the mysterious young woman knew of the future. Was Marth trying to impart some knowledge of it onto her? If everything was going to be alright, what should she do? What should she say?
She wanted do the obvious thing and talk to Robin, but the tactician had shut herself in her tent. They were close to the border of Regna Ferox now. They didn't dare go through Ylisse, fearing the Plegian forces would chase them through the halidom, bringing destruction in their wake.
Cordelia skimmed over her book. The same page had stared at her for the past five minutes. She shut the book, putting it back with the others in a pile nearby. She collapsed onto her cot. The excruciating pain in her heart had faded, replaced by a numbness, a wound that would burst open again at the slightest provocation.
"Cordelia?" Sumia's voice drifted from outside her tent, "Can I come in?"
Cordelia hauled herself up, sitting on the edge of her cot, "Of course, Sumia."
The burnette entered the tent, a smile on her face. It vanished when she saw her companion. "Are you alright? You don't look so good..."
Cordelia shook her head, "It's nothing. Was there something you needed?"
Sumia brightened, "Yes! I know things have been really glum lately, but I have some wonderful news to share!" Blushing, she held out her hand. Cordelia examined it, and gasped.
"Is that...a ring?" A beautiful ring glinted on one of Sumia's fingers. Cordelia looked at her friend for confirmation.
Sumia withdrew her hand, covering it with the other, "Yes...Frederick proposed to me...We're engaged..."
Cordelia's troubles receded to the back of her mind. She shot to her feet and hugged her friend, "Sumia, that's wonderful news!"
"I know!" The brunette said, returning the embrace, "Oh, Cordelia, it's wonderful! I know that a lot of awful things have happened...But I've never felt happier in my life! This is the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
The redhead pulled back, placing her hand's on Sumia's shoulders, "I'm certain that you and Frederick will be very happy together. Words cannot express how happy I am for you right now. Does anyone else know?"
Sumia shook her head, "No, not yet. Frederick is going to make a formal announcement once we've reached Ferox, with Chrom's permission of course. But I wanted to tell you first! You're my best friend, and deserve to know!"
"Thank you," Cordelia's happiness for her friend eased some of her heartache. Oh, she was so glad her companion had found someone!
"Also, um, I wanted to ask you something," Sumia fidgeted again, "Would you...be my maid of honor at our wedding?"
Cordelia's smile widened, and she put a hand over her chest, "I would be beyond honored to have such a role."
"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" Sumia grabbed both of Cordelia's hands, beaming, "I really wanted you to be part of this! Oh, this has been such a wonderful day!"
"And I am glad that I got to share part of it with you."
Sumia left afterwards, needing to consult with her new fiance on a few things. Cordelia's initial joy for her friend became tainted by sadness. Sumia was so unlike her in so many ways. So bright, so warm, and having earned her happiness. A contrast to the mess that was Cordelia's life.
Why? Cordelia had to wonder that. Why did things have to turn out the way they did? Another question emerged, coming to the forefront of her mind. Why didn't Robin just talk to Chrom about the situation? Let him know about the rumors, and where she stood on the matter? Why go to such elaborate lengths to avoid such a conversation while trying to solve her problem? It didn't make sense to the redhead. The tactician was intelligent, wouldn't she have considered such a line of action?
Cordelia had to talk to Robin, as soon as possible. She had to inform her of what happened, as well as get answers. She hoped she would get her chance soon.
A/N: Cordelia just realized that poor communication kills and she's going to call Robin out on it. Seriously, there are SO many stories where the main problem could have been solved if the characters simply took a minute to talk to each other. Of course, things can also be much more complicated than they appear.
On the appearance of Lu-I mean "Marth"-It hasn't been released yet, but the second FE:A Drama CD is about the escape from Plegia and one of the featured characters is "Marth." That, and it makes sense that she would stick close to offer discrete help after what just happened. Poor thing, she really didn't see that coming. Anyway, I couldn't not include that scene with her once it started bouncing around in my head.
A sincere thanks to all my reviewers!