Hello Hello, Kalbern Here!
Well to those who were wondering, i am currently busy with GED, work and overall life. I did warn you though, so don't say i did't say so. Nevertheless to those who don't know, this will be updated on a monthly basis (subject to change).
Thanks for being patient with me and sorry for any inconveniences that this may bring to you, and if there are any mistakes that are seen in this let me know either on reviews or PM me and i will get them fixed. For now though, I'd just like to say thanks for giving the time to read this little story of mine. Now then, on with the story!
Also, I do not own Fire Emblem Awakening, although I think you know that by now...
It has been only a few days since Anna arrived with the convoy, and now Mirage Village has enough food and supplies to last for months. During that time, Alfred and his brothers were helping the villagers with repairs and building, as well as giving medical attention and other various services, as they were described to them by Anna as it was told a few weeks back. That, along with the convoy, had allowed the village to get back on its feet and resume business as usual, and the villagers no longer had the fear of death holding above their heads. It was almost as if they had no problems in the first place.
It was sometime in the afternoon, and most of the villagers were either resting or outside taking a stroll along the sand covered road, seeing as the wind were not as violent enough to cause a sand storm. If it wasn't for the glaring sun above, it would be even considered peaceful. Anna, however, was outside of the elder's house, looking out at the village. It was an enjoyable experience here in Mirage Village, but there was still work to be done.
I'm getting a step closer to my goal... I need to keep going... she reminded herself as she began walking towards the front door. She took a deep breath before knocking.
Less than a minute later, the Elder opened the door.
"Ah, hello there Anna. How have you been?"
The Elder was quite a strong man, although it was obvious that his years were catching up to him. With wrinkles forming around the mouth and eyes and the somewhat worn clothes he wore, many would see him as a grandfather more than anything, but the villagers did respect him as Elder. There was a time where he had no complications, but soon was having difficulty walking as his bones were going weak. Anna took notice one day, when she saw him practically dragging his feet one of Alfred's brothers were able to treat him and provided him with a cane; a nice wood oak cane, for which he was grateful. His eyes however, while a bit dazed, still had a gaze of confidence and resilience, like a person who was too stubborn to give up.
Or perhaps, too stubborn to be swayed by the words of a certain merchant.
"I've been doing quite well actually! Alfred and the boys just finished up with the house, and we're getting out things ready to depart sometime tomorrow morning."
"I see... well I must say you and your family have done more than enough with helping us in our time of need, and for that I thank you"
"Well we Anna's do our part for the community, tee hee!" She replied, doing her signature pose and winking at him.
"Of course, and like I said I am very grateful" His pleasant smile soon soured, although it was not noticeable. "But I am assuming that you are here for more than a simple chat, correct?"
"Quite the detective aren't you, old timer?"
"Enough to see through your little facade, my dear"
Anna then dropped her cheerful manner and just huffed in annoyance "Well no need to be all serious about it. I'm not trying to take your place or anything"
"How disappointing. I was hoping you do, so as to avoid any more work in the future. Maybe you can spare to help an old fragile man like me?"
"Does it pay well?"
"You get the feeling of satisfaction and have a nice reputation among the common folk"
"Then no thanks. I already get that selling stuff to you guys"
"I see, well then won't you come in? It's much better than being outside in the sun all day. Also, my wife has just finished brewing some tea."
She accepted and walked into the dining room, taking a seat at the small table while the elder sat across from her.
"Man, you sure know how to make a woman feel special"
"Yes I know, my wife has told me many times"
"And quite the kidder too. You know, if you were about a few decades younger, wouldn't mind going for you"
"Thankfully I'm not, so I don't have to worry about you pestering me"
"Well to hell with you then!"
"Language young lady!"
"Yeah... whatever. Say where is your wife by the way? I haven't seen her all morning"
"Ah, she was at her garden, tending to her flowers. She loves working on her garden, planting and watering. At times I would say she is a farmer than a simple housewife, but every time she would berate me for that, haha!"
"And here I am, wondering what she sees from you"
"Yes well, we can save that conversation at a later time. As for now I would like to hear what you have to say"
The Elder straightened himself as best as he could, and looked at Anna with upmost attention. Anna did the same, although a bit more reluctant as she was gathering her thoughts, and it was complete silence for several minutes before she spoke. When she did it was at a low tone, as she knew it would be useless trying to sugarcoat things to the elder.
"First of all...", she began, " The boys and I took note of what you guys have and what you would need for later trips, and we would have to add more to our little deal the next time we meet."
This made the elder confused, "Did not you say you would not need payment for the supplies you gave us?"
"Only for this one, since you didn't have much to give anyways. Now that the village is more active, we would have to start charging for our services."
Hearing this, the elder slowly looked down on his folded hands, in deep thought "I see..."
"You don't have to worry about it for the moment. Just wanted to give you a heads up."
The elder didn't look up when he replied, "Thank you... is there anything else to discuss?"
"..."
"..."
The Elder soon looked up and saw Anna was struggling with what she was going to say, if her rigid expression was anything to go by. He also noticed that her hands were slightly clenched and was taking deep breaths.
"Anna, are you alri-"
She suddenly took a sharp intake of breath and leaned forward, prompting the elder to rush to her side. Anna on her part kept her hands together and brought them close to her chest, as if it was to rupture at any moment. Swaying slightly back and forth, she continued to breathe and shiver in quick succession, trying to keep herself from losing it. Meanwhile The Elder stayed next to her, his hands on her left arm and shoulder, silently giving support. A minute passes. Then two, three and four minutes pass. This continued for about several minutes, until she began to relax and regain her composure again. As her muscles began to loosen, she slowly slumps down on her chair, and she covers her face with her hands.
"Anna..."
The Elder's voice brings her out of her daze, realizing that he was still here the whole time. Not responding, she turns to her left and sees The Elder, with his eyes having a look of concern.
"Is there something you need to tell me?"
His tone was cautious, as he did not want to say anything that would further provoke her
"No, I'm fine... just had a rough day..."
"Seems like it was more than a rough day" The Elder replied. Her voice betrayed the stress she was feeling.
"Yeah, we had a group of bandits ambush us... and one of those bastards got me across the chest..."
"Dear Gods, here let me get you-"
"No it's okay..." She grabbed his arm before he could leave. "Let's just...continue with what we were talking about."
"Hmm, very well then"
The Elder knew there was something else going on, but he was not one to pry into the lives of other people. He knows very well how many hide their secrets because of the pain it causes them, and he even witnessed several cases when the villagers would come to him for advice and comfort. When he saw what happened to Anna, he already realized why. He would need to know more, but for now it is better to wait until she is ready to tell him, until the pain is somewhat dulled for it to become bearable to speak.
He went to take his seat again, only this time he sat close to her, ready to give support just in case.
The conversation resumed, although it came out awkward at first. However, as the thoughts of her episode slowly began to fade, the talk became more lighthearted. Laughs were shared, and even a few jabs were exchanged between the two, but for the most part they were able to discuss the recent news of the outside world, and she reassured him that she would be back soon with more goods to sell. It was sometime after sundown when they bid their farewells, and Anna went back to the house she was staying at.
The house was a one story building that was built outside the outskirts of the village. The house had a living room, dining room and kitchen as well as three bedrooms and one bathroom. It was bare of any decorations, only needing furniture and other necessities, but that was a given since they weren't planning to live here anytime soon.
When Anna arrived, she found most of her cousins sleeping in the living room using their blankets as beds. When they arrived at Mirage Village there were about a dozen or so of them, so it was a given that they would have to find another place to sleep. Of course, Anna herself already claimed one of the bedrooms as her own, while the other two were being shared among the men.
"Nice to see you back again, cousin"
Anna gave a small yelp when Alfred came from the kitchen, shirtless and carrying a small glass of water.
"Dammit Al! You scared me!" She harshly whispered.
"Not my fault, you were too busy looking at the bundle of sleeping beauties on the floor"
"Oh shut up! You could have at least warned me or something!"
"Sure thing, I'll keep that in mind for next time"
Anna pinched her nose in annoyance "Yeah sure, whatever. Anyways did you guys have everything ready for tomorrow?"
Alfred nodded in affirmation, "Yup. Got the wagons ready, horses fed and tended to and got the list for the next batch of supplied needed." He took a small sip of water before continuing
"So where do we go from here?"
"sigh well since we established a nice hideout here, we need to cover more ground. I need you to head to Ylisse and see if there is any way we can find a place there while I head over to the Outrealm Gate. There's a weapons dealer nearby who sells quality stuff, and we need to have her as an ally"
"An Anna I'm assuming?"
"Of course, who else?"
"Just making sure..." He takes another sip of his water, "Are you sure you won't need any backup?"
"Oh don't worry, we're all family here! I'm sure she'll be glad to help us."
"Yeah, provided she doesn't beat the crap out of us first..."
Anna huffed and lightly smacked his arm, "You worry too much Al. I got this alright? All you need to do is head over and find a nice little place to stay in Ylisse. Seems easy, right?"
"Of course, but remember who you're dealing with." He then finished his glass and was heading back to the kitchen until he felt Anna grabbing his shoulder. He looked back and saw she was a bit down "Is something wrong?"
"..."
"..."
"...it happened again"
That got his full attention, and he fully faced Anna and began to check for any visible wounds.
"Don't worry, it wasn't that bad this time"
"Yeah, this time." His voice was stern and stiff; a scolding voice. "You need to be more careful with this, you were lucky we were here"
"Yeah I know, but listen. We need to get this done, and we don't have much time"
"I know, but please try not to overexert yourself now"
"I won't, I promise"
Alfred only let a deep sigh escape his lips, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and then giving her a tired grin. "Alright then, just be careful." He then turned around and went back to the kitchen. "Now go to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us"
Anna bid him goodnight an went to her bedroom, where she changed into a nightgown and settled herself into her was only a short time ago when she was able to sleep as soundly as this, and she was still in the process of getting used to it.
It's okay Anna, you aren't there anymore. You don't have to worry about it anymore.
You aren't there anymore...
You don't have to worry about it anymore...
She stared at the ceiling, repeating the same mantra over and over. Taking deep breaths, she slowly closed her eyes and waited for the feeling of stress to leave her body as she soon drifted off into sleep. She was able to sleep soundly that night, and they would be leaving the next day for the border pass, where they would soon split and go on their separate ways.