ZeroGDog here! So, I've decided to go ahead and make this a threeshot. Just because I wanted to continue. After all, Volke hadn't decided what to do with them! And I kinda know where I wanna go with this, but I'm still open to your suggestions!
Category: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance or FE9
Main Characters: Volke and Ike
Pairings: None
Summary: AUish "If Greil were ever slain by his pursuers…I was to watch over his son and tell him Greil's secret at an appropriate time." Threeshot
Extra Info: Any italicized words are Volke's thoughts. Any bold words are for emphasis. And the timeline is officially messed up, as I read Soren doesn't join the group until he's older. However, I have it that Soren is with Ike and Mist and yes they are young. How young? Eh...younger than 12, but older than 4. My estimate is Ike's about 8-10, Mist is 5-7, and Soren is about 9-11, but physically he looks younger. I hope that sounds about right, I've always been terrible about pinning ages to people. Ugh.
Disclaimer: FE is not mine...nope...nada...nothin'
II.
He led the three children out to the stables, located through the west hall. There was a soft noise and the rustle of hay. Four horses peered at them with soft, onyx eyes. The fireman scanned the stable. There were six stalls, two empty, and two double doors; one at the front and the other at the back. "Stay here." He ordered, setting the girl down beside her brother and the stray. His hands grasped the door hands leading to the south side of the fort. Away from the bodies.
Volke released a sigh of relief. A wagon without a cover sat outside. Hook up two horses and get out of here… The fireman strolled back in, grabbing the necessary gear for the animals. He chose the dark brown and the white mares and one by one he strapped them to the wagon. The children watched silently, though the boy looked heartbroken at the horses.
West…head west….Two days ride to a village… Volke double checked his work, before turning to the three. Food….blankets…two at least. "Ike, come here." It was the first time he had used the boy's name.
Greil's son did so, his sister and the stray following, hands tightly wound about Ike's. The fireman gently lifted up the girl into the back of the wagon. Then the stray. Ike simply lifted himself up.
"I want you to stay here until I return, understand?" Volke stared into the boy's eyes. He was surprised at the sudden determination in those blue orbs. Ike nodded, "I understand."
Slightly wary, the fireman ducked back into the fortress. Blankets…some dried meat…and bread… He hesitated as his eyes trailed down the hallway into the common area. Greil… Quickly, Volke retrieved two blankets from a storage room in the central hallway. He stopped in the common area. The fire had all but died out now and he could see a clear view of the woman from the doorway. No time for a proper burial…not from me at least. Volke glanced around before returning to the central hallway. Half a candle mark later, the fireman had completely soaked the tables, some extra blankets and tunics, with all of the oils he could find. The village to the Southeast should see this and come investigate. They'll give you what you deserve Greil. He set a torch into a notch he had carved on the table also drenched in oil. Volke wrapped a rag around the top and lit it. This should give me plenty of time to leave with them.
Before he departed, the fireman grabbed some dried meat, bread, and two apples. The remaining horses nickered softly at his entrance. Volke sighed, before opening their stalls reminding himself to leave the back doors open. Ike, his sister, and the stray were still sitting in the wagon. The girl was dozing, fresh tears in her eyes, and in the arms of Ike. The stray huddled close to Greil's son as well, though he was staring straight at Volke examining every move he made. Volke attempted a smile at the three children as he approached. The blankets and food were nestled in the back with them, and he hoisted himself up on the wagon seat.
"What's your name?"
Volke glanced back. The stray and Ike were staring at him, though it was the stray who had asked. "My name is Volke." And he snapped the reins.
They had traveled a little over two miles before day light slowly traded with moon light. Volke thanked Ashera that the children had fallen asleep, drain emotionally, when black smoke could be spotted behind them. It saved him the trouble to answer questions that he didn't want to answer. A firm pull on the reins and the two mares stopped, snorting and pawing the ground. The children, now awake, remained huddled in the back. Volke spared them a glance as his hands untied the horses from the wagon. Ike's eyes were sad but determined. The girl's were red and puffy, though she looked ready to cry again. And the stray was watching him.
Reaching underneath the seat, the fireman pulled out a stake and a hammer. Moments later, the horses were secured nearby. There was no wood to help build a fire, so they were left in the ascending darkness.
"Here," Volke handed out one of the three loaves he had snatched along with some of the dried meat to the brother. He then pulled out another loaf, tore it in half. Ike accepted the loaf without words, and handed it to the stray before taking the meat. They ate in silence, for a while.
"….Volke?"
The fireman looked at Greil's son. "Yes?"
"…are you going to take care of us?"
That same question… "I'll do what I can. Come on, finish it up and get some sleep. We should reach a town tomorrow evening."
Ike finished the dried meat in two more bites. Once his sister and the stray had consumed the bread and smaller pieces of meat, he spread the blanket to cover the three of them. The girl huddled into Ike's arms, whimpering. The boy hushed her softly humming. Volke listened as she joined briefly before sobbing. Greil's son held her closer, while the stray pressed closer to him, offering what comfort he could to the siblings.
Settling himself between the children and the open end of the wagon, the fireman listened to the quite noises of the night, and the softening of their breaths as sleep took over again. …too far out for bandits to be around here…not at the turning of the seasons. He pulled the blanket closer to himself. The nights now had a winter touch to them. Autumn would bid Tellius farewell in another two weeks or so. Have to find them a place before winter sets in. Closing his eyes, Volke dozed.
He wasn't sure how long he had dozed, but he was now awake. Someone's watching us… Volke remained silent, feigning sleep, focusing on sounds; listening for the intruder. Moments passed but the feeling remained and it was silent with the exception of an owl calling out twice and the crickets singing. Hostile?...He cracked an eye open, barely, to keep up the façade of sleep.
It was the stray.
The fireman straightened up, the act of sleeping no longer needed. With his eyes adjusted to the night, he returned the stare.
"You're awake." The stray began.
"As are you. You should be sleeping."
Volke watched as the stray pushed the blanket back and crossed the small distance between them before kneeling down perpendicular to the fireman's body.
The stray's next words were quite so as not to wake up the siblings. "You're a light sleeper?"
He could hear the question, though the stray struggled not to make it sound like one. Volke kept his own voice low. "After what has happened, it's not unusual for one to be wary. Why are you up?"
"Commander Greil never mentioned you." The stray replied, stumbling over Greil's name. The fireman heard a subtle chocked sob followed by a clearing of the throat.
"Like I said, we only met a few times. He was a great man and I counted him as one of my friends. Likewise, I'm sure he considered me as a friend as well."
"You might be lying."
Rather skeptical for his age. "…what reason would I have to lie to you?"
The stray frowned. "You could be one of those killers…"
"If I was, then I would have killed you three the moment I found you." Volke carefully gauged the stray's face. Another frown and slightly narrowed eyes. It took a few moments before he replied.
"There's a reason that Commander Greil was killed…no one kills mercenaries for no reason."
He's perceptive for a child. I should watch my words. "Whatever reason or reasons there is or was I don't know."
The stray narrowed his eyes. "….Why save us?"
He's wanting me to slip up. Clever, masking questions with casual, reasonable ones. "Are you suggesting I let children die when I could prevent their deaths?"
The stray huffed, pouting.
Time to end this conversation. "Get some sleep, Soren."
Apparently, the use of his name was surprising, as the stray's eyes widen and his mouth dropped open slightly. Soren blinked once before returning to that neutral expression. "Fine." The boy skittered back to Ike's side, burying himself under the blanket. "I trust you'll keep us safe…but you're not telling me everything." He watched as the boy huddled close to Ike, before resuming his dozing.
Volke awoke at dawn. He chewed on the other half of the loaf from last night while hooking up the horses again. Then with a soft whistle and flick of the reins they continued heading west. The sudden motion brought Ike and Soren out of slumber.
"Volke?" Greil's son said, pulling himself up so he was half leaning on the seat.
"There's two apples in the sack by Soren's feet. Don't eat more of the bread and meat."
Ike pouted and slipped back down.
"Apples? Just apples?" Ike questioned as he pulled the fruit out.
"The bread and meat is most likely for lunch." Soren admonished. "You two take that half."
"But Soren, that's hardly enough for you."
"It's plenty, Ike. Now take it."
Volke smiled at the two before focusing back on the road. The small talk the children created somehow soothing to him. That is until the girl sniffled.
"What's wrong?" Ike asked, though the boy most likely knew already.
"I-I- miss father…and mother." She answered between sobs. The fireman could detect attempts to refrain from sobbing, yet it became harder to restrain them and she hiccupped. There was some shuffling and her brother's comforting words. Volke only half concentrated on them.
"I miss them too….but I'm here and so is Soren…and Volke will take care of us."
The fireman nearly choked on his own breath at those words. He's trusting my words…a stranger's words. Volke huffed at the boy's naivety. …a counterbalance to Soren's cynical view. Ike continued his reassurance and the wagon continued its trek. Time came and went, as did their lunch. By this time the children were in slightly calmer moods, though Volke felt Soren's gaze on him more than once, but the boy never initiated conversation again. Dusk was a candle mark and a half away, by his estimate, when the outline of the village appeared. Not even half a mark later, the horses eased the wagon into the wide road separating two rows of empty stalls and a few buildings.
The village consisted mostly of scattered farmers and one central area where merchants set up shop once a year. The Inn was located there. The once bright blue sign had faded from the elements, but the words 'Candle Wax Inn' was still legible.
He supplied the stable boy a few coins to care for the mares and house the wagon for the night, before leading the three into the building. There were a few stares as they entered. Volke ignored them, more interested in the Innkeeper and price. It took twelve coins for a room with two single beds plus an extra pallet. Supper was three coins for a bowl of stew, a roll, and water. He ordered three for the children and ordered a five coin supper for himself. It came with ale. Volke ignored the odd looks they received; after all it was blatantly obvious the children weren't his. Though, the girl might be able to pass as his child. That was not an unpleasant thought, but at the same time it was not a pleasant thought. He finished his meal and nursed his ale while the children finished as well, Ike asking for seconds.
Soren was already dosing by the time Greil's son was full, the combination of food and warmth relaxing him. The girl wasn't far behind, though she was more coherent to walk up the steps were as Volke had to carry Soren. He was forced to give Ike the candle as they ascended the stairs and into their room. It was plain; two beds two night stands and a window opposite of the door. The pallet was there waiting for them. Good. He got it up here as promised. He set the stray down on one of the single beds. Soren yawned, becoming slightly more awake. "Wah…"
"Get your shoes off." The fireman spoke, already tossing his off as well. Greil's children followed suit, before the two jumped into one bed. Soren stared at Ike.
Volke, watching the exchange from the corner of his eye, sighed. "The bed's not big enough for three."
"Push them together."
The fireman shook his head. "No, just go to sleep." It's only for one night… He watched as Soren glared at him, before huddling under the blankets with a huff. Ike hesitated a moment, but Volke simply waved him back to the bed with his sister. "We'll be leaving early morning. Sleep."
It didn't take too long for the four to settle down. Volke, the last one to lay down, blew out the candle and claimed the pallet on the floor. However, he remained awake for a few moments, staring at the ceiling above him, retracing their path.
West had brought them farther from a main road, but to the closest village without raising suspicion. And what had that accomplished?
What am I going to do with them?
The more he thought about it, the more Volke realized there was only one logical solution. He paused in his thoughts.
Someone was here.
The fireman listened for any identifying sounds, while he recalled that the door and window had remained closed throughout his debating.
A sniffle followed by a hushed voice.
The girl. She was awake and talking to….to who? All of his reflexes kicked in; a hand grabbed the knife under his pillow and he rolled to a kneeling position.
There wasn't anyone there.
But the sister looked scared. He set the weapon down near his pillow and stood up. Unsure whether to apologize for scaring her or not, Volke silently crept over to her. "Why are you up?" The girl pulled her legs to her chest, making unnecessary room for him on the bed. Regardless, he complied and sat down near her.
It took her a moment before she answered. "I was talking to mother and father."
Her mother and father? He wondered if she had become touched in the head, until he spotted the medallion.
"I...if I talk to it…they'll hear it..and see that…we're okay…."
Volke didn't respond. He was not terribly religious, though he did throw a curse and pray in Ashera's name many times. Still…who was he to tell the girl that her parents wouldn't hear her words? But then, what am I supposed to say?
"…I…I'm sure they…know...and...enjoy hearing you…" Reduced to a stuttering fool, by a child. "Come, Mist. It's time for bed….say goodnight to them."
She nodded, hugged the medallion and whispered a 'goodnight' before snuggling under the covers.
Seeing her settled under the blankets again, the fireman slid back down to his pallet.
Yes. Only one logical solution.
Morning came fast. Volke woke a little after dawn. He had hoped to slip out before the three awoke, however Soren awoke as he secured his knife. The stray was fighting off sleep quickly, apparently wanting to speak to him, but the fireman didn't particularly feel like trading words with the child. He must have tried to sleep lightly…
"I'll return shortly." He whispered, setting a few coins in the boy's hands. "If Ike and Mist awake before I return get some breakfast."
Groggily, Soren nodded and clutched the metal objects in his hands. Vollke left the boy still trying to fully wake up. Gathering supplies didn't take too long, as he was one of the very few early shoppers, aside from the merchants themselves. He quickly assembled food for their journey and returned to the Candlewax Inn to find the three settling around a table. A grin found its way on his face, as Ike and Mist were clearly still waking up. Soren, no doubt, forced them to get up. Porridge and some bread with honey drizzled on it filled their stomachs, at least three of the four. Greil's son mumbled about it not being enough as they clambered into the wagon. Paying the stable boy two coins, Volke grabbed the reins and waited until the children were settled.
"Here," the fireman produced two apples from one of the sacks in the back. Ike happily claimed them and began eating. His sister and the stray, on the other hand, dozed as Volke steered the two mares onto the wide road and then west.
It was nearly noon when the boy climbed onto the seat next to Volke. He was surprised at the movement and the way Ike settled into the wooden bench. He was comfortable around the fireman. Completely trusting…
"Where are we going?" Ike asked. The fireman kept his eyes on the road.
"To Gallia."
So there you go! Volke's taking them to Gallia! As much as I would've loved the idea of Volke raising all of them, I don't think it's really his thing. Now that we have a destination...what's Volke going to do at Gallia? What about the medallion?
ZeroGDog out!