Chapter 4 part 2

Evening with the Themis'es

A/N: Hey ho, everybody!

First off! I'd like to apologize for the unexpected halting of LaG and the inactivity of Lucina and Dante's wedding, which will still be on hold for a while. Sorry!

College finals month is no fun allowed month. Especially if you're on your thesis! *Flips table*

Zallow: Thanks! Though that makes sense, I think Virion and Miriel have a better chemistry, as Miriel tends to just end up with her husband as an 'extended experiment'. If it's Virion, he's taking the relationship in his own hands with his "fortunetelling." Don't worry about the father-son talk! I'd like to have fun with Laurent! Muhahahaha! Oh, and about Maribelle's relationship with her father. She doesn't hate him per se. Well, you'll have to read on to find out!

unknown god 0923 I just got lost blood lines and I just turned my avatar to Dread fighter as well, I have to say, I like the model. The red aura is especially cool. But I really needed the assassin as the hidden blade wouldn't make sense for anything else haha. Have you gotten Noire to talk with one of the enemies? "BWA HA HA! THE RAVENS SHALL PICK YOUR BONES CLEAN THIS NIGHT!" Oh, Noire!

knglemon13 Thanks for the comment! I'd like to get on with them too, but that's after Avatar returns! Updates will come in fast come holidays as I hopefully have nothing to do since I should be finished with college. But until then, I may have to take another week off. Sorry guys! Oh, as for Kellam? I have something in plan for him, so don't you guys worry.

In any case, without further ado, we get on with the story! Enjoy!

The left side of the room was lined with tall glass windows but were covered in red velvet drapes. While the right side consisted a side door, probably to the kitchen, and were lined with paintings of various choice. Some depicted great victories of battles while others showed peaceful country sights. At the far end of the room, opposite from where the trio entered, was a unlit fire place and on top of it was a large painting of what seemed to be a kind elderly man who wore a bright smile with eyes filled with wisdom, understanding, and love. It was, without a doubt, Oscar Themis. The painting was the complete opposite of what sat at the head table right now. If the painting was bright sunshine on a perfect day, Arthur Themis would be an unwelcomed maelstrom on paradise. To his left sat Theon and Fiona, gaze indecipherable. Or perhaps uncaring. And next to them sat Sierra and Mark, grins as wide as can be.

The table itself filled the length of the long dinning table and even with the complete family there, they would hardly take half of it. It was made of dark mahogany wood in intricate curving design with matching chairs that had soft red cushions.

Red on dark wood seems to be the theme of the family. Stahl though silently.

"Good evening, everyone! It's so nice to be home again!" Maribelle said out loud... with a hint of fear that Stahl picked up from her tone.

"Ah, Maribelle. It's good to see you again. Sierra has... mentioned your guests as well." Fiona said with a slight distaste on the word guests.

"Now, why don't you all come in and sit down, so that we may start the dinner? The chefs informed me that tonight they will be serving my favorite, and I am quite eager to feast on it!" Theon said in turn, face still unreadable but his tone showed his hunger.

"Indeed, Maribelle, my daughter. Please. Take your seat. As well as your... guest." Arthur said, first flatly but still composed. Then, for a split-second, full of vile venom and it was directly pointed at Stahl.

We haven't even spoken yet and already he hates me! This is worrisome... Wait. He hates me? He thought and tried to read Arthur's expression once more but the moment had passed. Arthur turned to Brady, weighted him, and he seemed... satisfied? That's... quite curious.

"Of course." Maribelle nodded, moved next to her father with Stahl and Brady following her. As they neared, Stahl and Brady offered a polite bow to Arthur, which he replied with an angry nod. Maribelle twitched at that. Stahl pulled Maribelle's seat for her and they shared a look.

I'm apologize for that and thank you... Maribelle mouthed silently, but Stahl read her eyes which pleaded: Help me...

Of course Stahl replied with a smile and a nod. He took his seat as well and wore a polite smile.

"Tell me, Father. How goes the trade? I hear you're making a profit ever since peace settled on Valm." She said.

"Were you expecting anything less, my dear?" Arthur said with a smirk. "Speaking of Valm, I bought some land there. Would you be interested in them Theon?"

"I presume those lands are all agricultural? The same ones you always hand me?" Theon said, with a bit of bitterness. Land or no land. He was getting tired of always dealing with farmers.

"Actually, no. A forest this time. I thought we could have lumber imported to Ylisse. But if you aren't interested then..."

"Oh stop rubbing it in already, Arthur! I'll take the dam forest. And thank you." Theon said. He did look happy. Just a bit.

"Oh, aunt Fiona, have I mentioned you look younger from last I saw you?" Maribelle said, hoping to fill the air before anyone starts asking questions about the trio.

"Flattery will get you nowhere dear. You know this about me for the longest time." Fiona replied. Maribelle just replied a cringing-smile

Before Maribelle could think of another topic, since she realized half of those in her mind would be shot down just like the last one was, Mark took the chance and asked a question. "Tell me Stahl, and Brady. Do you fence? You probably do, having been in the army and all. I find it to be a true gentleman's sport! I'm quite the swordsman myself."

"I suppose I can hold my own." Stahl simply said.

"I can't say I'm much of a fencer, as I'm afraid the art has never crossed us during our marches and all, but I don't see how it's that different from holding a regular blade, so I suppose it would not be all that unfamiliar with us." Brady replied.

"Of course it's different!" Mark said, then he began to lecture how it was a 'fine art' and different from, and he mentions much more superior to, just holding a blade and 'swinging it wildly' as he put it. The two had the grace enough not to mention their training sessions with Lon'qu. "There are rules in fencing! Why, you don't simply hold your sword like some commoner. You hold it delicately. It is an extension of yourself and therefor should reflect the wielder. Why, many have mentioned how graceful and noble I fence as I duel my opponents!"

And the conversations went of as the servants brought in the appetizers, which was an assortment of freshly baked soft and hard bread in a basket with the most exquisite squash soup Stahl had ever tasted. It took a lot of his willpower to remember Maribelle's lesson from the afternoon. They talked about the weather, recent sightings of bandits, the local trade and gossip, and sometimes touching on how odd it was for there to be three princesses in the realm when before the war they just had one. The trio just laughed at that and made no attempt to discuss such an unbelievable matter. It was one thing to defeat a dragon, and all together another to mention inter-dimensional time travel. A small bell sounded, which signaled the arrival of the main course and Theon perked up at that immediately. The servants wheeled the many plates in via a small cart with white cloth. The food lay inside a metal dome to keep in the heat. They gave served Arthur, then Theon, then Maribelle and so on. The servants lifted the lid from their meal as steam rose up and revealed Blue Shelled Lobster platter. A rarity, even among the nobility, but here it lay, one for each person. And it made Stahl's mouth water.

Oh gods! I never thought that dinner would be my enemy too! he thought as he restrained himself.

"So... Tell me, what have... all of you done in the war?" Arthur asked. And so it begins.

"Oh, well father, I've been done some work as a Valkyrie. Occasionally, our tactician assigned me to lead a Pegasus assault. I'd like to say my magic has well improved since I left." Maribelle said, with a bit of pride.

"Your tactician? I thought you said you were the genius of the army? Aside from that know-it-all witch." Sierra said, her eyes dancing with malice.

"Er... Yes... Well... That was before our tactician was recruited into the Shepards. In fact, if not for him, I doubt we would be left sitting here with you." Or will the rest of the world be here for that matter. She replied with a worried smile.

"Hmm... And you... Brady was it? What is it you did to aid in the war-effort?" Arthur asked once more.

"Thank you for asking, mi'lord, but I am but a humble healer among the Shepards. Oh, I've ridden as a Knight here, and flung a few spells there, but I just made sure that my comrades made it through the battle." Brady said, as he made a small graceful bow with his head.

"And what of you... Stahl... What have you accomplished?"

You're asking for more than just what I did in the war then? But since Maribelle and Brady are playing humble... "Oh, well I've done nothing that's worthy of a spectacular tale mi'lord. I've just done what I can to further the goals of the army. In'fact I consider myself the "average" of the army, seeing that there is an even amount of people stronger and weaker than I am." He replied.

"Liar." Maribelle and Brady said at the same time, at the family turned a curious gaze at them.

"Forgive my rudeness, but I clearly remember you charging off against enemies that outnumbered us three to one at the battle of Demon's Ingle. How did the others put it? You mounted on your stead and courageously pushed our enemies back to a small plateau and then struck the ground so hard that it fell away, leaving our foes into a fiery end?" Brady said as he gave his father a look that said to keep his mouth shut.

H-Huh? But you and I did that together!

"And during our battle against that conqueror, Walhart, who was it that saved, not only me, but the Exalt and his royal family? I recall you mounting up your stead, gathered the calvary, and lead the charge that, not only saved the Exalt, but made Walhart retreat back into his fortress?" Maribelle said, with a similar expression, but also a grin at remembering the his act.

W-well... Okay, that was a little bit true... But- Stahl silently yelled. Then he noticed the look everyone gave him Ooooh... I really am a scatter brain! He thought as he finally caught on to what the mother-son duo was doing.

The siblings wore a look that looked like shock at those bits of details, while the couple had arched eyebrows, probably the best reaction he could get from them too, while Arthur's eye was reevaluating him. The silence, however, hung unpleasantly in the air

Maribelle coughed. " So... Sierra. How goes courtship at the court? Surely several boys have made attempts at you."

Sierra blinked, but quickly threw a retort. "Oh, like you would know Marmar? I'm above such petty things such as boys. Besides, I seem to recall you turning down those same boys. I believe they called it the Themis Challenge."

"Oh, then was Richard a passing fling then sister? I thought you were seriously considering him." Mark said

"M-Mark! Shut up! You didn't have to mention that NOW!"

"Richard? The same Holier-than-thou Richard from House Lissen?" Fiona asked, brows furrowed.

" What?! B-but Sierra dear, I had thought you actually liked that Michael fellow." Theon said.

"Ugh. No! Please don't mention him! In fact, I refuse to have anything with this conversation!"

"Oh? but I am very curious. Mark. Tell me what your sister has been on with BOTH Michael and Richard." Maribelle asked.

"Hmm? Well... what's in it for me?"

"Mark!"

"I can put in a good word for you at the court of Ylistol." Maribelle smiled with mischief dancing in her eyes. Stahl had never seen that before! He found himself aroused.

"Done! What do you want to know?"

"MARK!"

For a moment, it seemed to Stahl and Brady that the family had descended into something that looked like a normal family and they hoped that it would last into the night. Of course, as soon as the main course was well behind, and once dessert, which was a warm slice of apple pie, was served, Arthur resumed his assault.

"Speaking of courtship, how did you two... start?"

"Oh yeah, how'd-" Brady started, then coughed loudly "I mean, pray tell, when did you two started courting each other?"

The couple in question gave him a look 'whose side are you on?'

"Well, Stahl and I first met as comrades among the Shepards when it was founded by Chrom. Of course, at that time, we never talked much and I was with princess Lyssa." Maribelle said.

"Yes, yes, but what in heavens name- *cough*" Arthur began impatiently. "I mean, let us not dally around the bush any longer. Stahl. Why do you love my daughter?"

For a moment, it seemed time stopped for Stahl. He didn't pause. No dead air hung in the air, for time stopped as he recalled why. Why he went through dusty old scrolls, read through a library's worth of books, and almost had a fight with his best friend, Gaius. He smiled joyfully and met Arthur's gaze. "It's rather embarrassing to say mi'lord, and truthfully I don't know precisely how. By the time I realized I was in love with her, between the times I was helping her with her studies and our tea times, I realized I wanted her to be happy. More than any other. My dream shifted to her dreams." He said. He realized he no longer met Arthur's eyes. He was locked into the gazes of his wife as she smiled a soft smile full of love and happiness. "and everything else just fell into place."

Arthur slammed his fist on the table, making everything and everyone jump back. "Do you take me for a fool, boy?" Arthur said loudly.

"F-father?"

"Tell me the truth, Stahl. What are your motives? Is it for the prestige? The money? Or is it a game you wish to play so that you can soil my daughter?" Arthur accused. He wasn't furious. He was cold. Like he was merely stating a fact of life. No different from telling spring will come right after winter.

It was Maribelle that was furious. "Father! How dare you! Stahl has treated me nothing other than a true gentleman!" She said, fist clenched.

"Oh don't be so naive Maribelle! All men are like that! It is nothing more than human nature."

"I am not being naive!" she yelled as she slammed her hands on the table and stood up. "I've spent years with Stahl and in those times, even before our marriage, I've not see him degrade himself to a philanthropist nor has he proven himself a man of greed! He is a good man that puts the needs of others before his own!"

"And those words show you nothing more than an ignorant child. I should never have let you do your studies outside of these walls. And marriage?! Why I have half a mind to separate you two right this instant."

Maribelle was fuming. She stood up and angrily left the room.

"Maribelle..." Stahl said as he rose and quickly followed his wife.

The door closed loudly behind them and left an uncomfortable air in the room. Not even the siblings enjoyed the exchange.

"So..." Brady started. "Would anyone like to hear me play the violin?"

Maribelle pushed open the door and walked out into the empty hallway with Stahl close behind her. She heard him say her name but she kept walking away from the dinning room. Wanting nothing more than to just put some distance between her and her family. But even if she was half away around the world, she knew it wouldn't be enough. The hallway was empty besides the couple. She stomped her feet on the carpeted floor and it echoed down the corridor. It was dark and dimly lit but she knew it well. Even if she had her eyes closed, she'd know where every vase, painting, window, pillar, and knight's armor were placed. This was the first time she ever exited it like this though.

"Maribelle..." Stahl called out as he reached for his wife's hand. "Maribelle!"

She quickly took it back and slapped him with her other hand. "Leave me be!" She yelled. "I refuse to be treated like a child! I will not be talked down to as if I know nothing!" She was angry. Angry at her father. Angry at her cousins. Angry at her family. She wanted to burn everything around her.

"Maribelle, calm down."

"NO! I REFUSE TO CALM DOWN! Why aren't YOU angry?! You heard what he said about you! About US being together! Do you even care?!

"Of course I care! I will always care about us!" Stahl said loudly, but not angrily. "No matter what happens or what anyone else says, we will find a way to stay together." He held Maribelle in embrace. She tries to squirm out, but it was a half-hearted effort. She felt safe there in his arms. Warm with a strange sense of peace that settle over her. Why would she leave? Tears started running down her cheeks. She buried herself further into the curve of his neck, and started to weep quietly enough that only Stahl could hear even in the empty hallway. "We'll find a way to stay together. Maybe Brady's future has some sense. We could go and live in another region, maybe even in Ylistol, and set up an apothecary. I'll run the place and make it look twice as magnificent as this mansion. While you can be magistrate. Giving justice and fairness to commoners and nobles alike. And we'll be the happiest family anyone will ever see!" He stepped back a little, one hand holding her arm, while the other gently lifted her chin, making their eyes meet, he smiled warmly and welcoming. "Wherever and whatever the future goes or does, as long as I'm by your side, as long as we're together, we can make it better and happy. This I swear.

Maribelle shook her head, she couldn't believe her husband. "You scatterbrained, air head!" She said and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you so much!" She changed her mind quickly about the embrace, she released his neck and decided a kiss would be better as she dragged Stahl's head so their lips met. It was a deep, passionate kiss and they would have gone on for a long time if not for Alfonse.

"*cough*... Perhaps mi'lady, and mi'lord would like a room?" Alfonse said, placing his arms behind his back as he startled the breathless couple. They withdrew from each other, but still held on to each others arms as they panted breathlessly. "I've arranged rooms for you and you'll find your baggage there as well. It is the one on the third floor, east wing, fourth door on the right." The couple glanced at each other, with a blush across their face at getting caught like madly in-love teenagers. It wasn't that far-off but still. They returned their gaze back at Alfonse, but he just held up his hand. "No need for thanks, mi'lord, mi'lady. I was never here and did not see a young married couple enjoying each other's company in a dimly lit hallway. I bid you two a good night." Alfonse bowed, turned, and walked down the hallway and disappeared from sight.

The couple glanced each other, earlier worries forgotten, and smiled warmly as they walked off together to their room for the evening.

Stahl was awake just a little before the sun rose from the horizon. He sat up and recalled what had transpired just last night. He believes he has a bit of understanding just what is going through Maribelle's mind. He knew that she was close with her father before they got married and wondered why the sudden change. Before he can create any concrete comprehension, he needed to talk with Arthur himself. And it wasn't going to be pleasant as he is evidently protective of his daughter, who, at the current moment, slept naked right next to Stahl after a long night of coupling.

Well, there's no going about it discreetly. After all, he already thinks I'm just doing this for either money or just to play with Maribelle. He thought.

Maribelle stirred, and awoke. her lashes fluttered several times before she met Stahl's gaze. She smiled softly. "Good morning, darling..." Her voice was soft, sultry, arousing, and still half asleep.

Stahl gulped before he returned the smile. "Good morning to you too. Sorry. Did I wake you?" He leaned and they shared a long kiss.

She yawned. "Nnnnooooooooo." Her hand moved to covered her mouth out of habit and manners but she forced it down. To Grima with manners! She was alone with her husband. She moved to sit up next to Stahl. Then she realized she was stark naked. "Ahh!" She yelped and covered herself with the bed sheet. Manners were one thing. Decency a whole other.

Stahl laughed and covered his eyes with his hand. "You can go change first."

Maribelle nodded, though Stahl couldn't see that. She stood and moved to go to their luggage at the foot of the long bed.

"I never knew you had a birth mark just shy off your bottom. It's hard to see it in the dark. And I like how you move your hips to and fro."

"Stahl!"

He gave another laugh and re-covered his eyes.

She picked out a simple plain tunic and trousers. It was far too early to be wearing noble clothing, even though she moved easily enough in them, she found the freedom of simple clothes much to her delight. Once she was finished, Stahl stood unconcerned of his nakedness, causing Maribelle to fluster and turn around. He dressed in a similar easy fashion.

"Breakfast?"

"At the dinning hall, though we'll likely be the only one's there as the others tend to sleep in."

"You used to, too."

"I know. But I find waking early to be quite pleasant now. Especially that I get to wake next to you." She smiled as wrapped her arm around his and they left the room.

The couple reached the dinning hall just as servants were placing baskets of freshly baked bread. They greeted the couple a good morning and asked hat they would like for breakfast. They gave what they'd like with Stahl holding back, but Maribelle noticed it and told the maids to prepare quite a feast for them that their eyes bulged out. The cooks would likely have the same reaction.

Brady soon joined his parents and they sat at the same place as last night.

"Mornin' pops. Mornin' ma." He said drowsily.

"Good morning Brady." They replied. "How was your sleep?"

"Terrible. The bed was too soft that it felt like I was bein' eaten alive! Not to mention Sierra kept begging me to let her sleep with me."

"What?!"

"Oh, right. You two already left after that huh? See, when you two left, I couldn't really follow ya, so I offered to play my violin right after ya made your exits. So I got my violin and played real graceful like, and once I was done, Sierra starts cryin' real loud! She kept sayin' that it was the most beautiful thing she ever had a chance to hear. I was real flattered at that but she threw herself at me! Kept beggin' me to stay by her side! Even proclaimed her undyin' love fer me!" Brady said, as he flung his arms skywards and rested his head on the table. "I already have Severa! I don't need another girl tellin' me which way I ought to step and how I ought' to breathe!"

The couple laughed at his predicament, and started discussing how they should proceed for the day as the servants brought in their 'meal'. It was really a lot. But Maribelle felt particularly hungry, and she had the least appetite between her two boys. The trio decided that they would continue their original plan and try to warm up with the family, at least until Oscar Themis arrived from wherever his travel took him. Brady already had Sierra throwing herself at him.

Suddenly, the main door opened abruptly with a sense of urgency and the trio looked at who could suddenly enter in such a fashion, They thought it was Arthur.

It was a guard. THE head guard of Themis, actually. Maribelle recognized the man. "Jasper? What's wrong?"

Jasper looked about the room, bowed apologetically to the trio. "Forgive me mi'lady. I had heard that someone was dinning here, and thought it might be your father. It is nothing, I just have a report to-"

"No, Jasper. It is not nothing. Tell me what it is." Maribelle said, adding authority in her voice.

"Uhh... Well.. You see mi'lady, you shouldn't concern yourself! A lady of your standing and all would-"

"Oh, for Naga's sake Japer. I've been in the war. I can recognize an urgent report that needs to be delivered. Now tell me what it is!"

"Right. Of course, sir! I mean, mi'lady!, Sir! Uhh..."

"Just calm down, Jasper. Maribelle won't bite your head off, haha." Stahl offered the troubled guard. "Take a deep breathe first."

"Yes, uhh... Thank you mi'lord." Jasper said, as he recollected himself and took a deep breathe before he made his report. "I came to report that another one of your lord father's caravan was attacked by Bandits in the Stoney Vale, mi'lady. The area has been frequently attacked by bandits for quite some time now, and I thought it best to request that a group of guards scout for their hideout that we may take them out."

"I see. Thank you, Jasper. I shall have Alfonse give your report once my father awakens." Maribelle said.

"Of course. Thank you, mi'lady." Jasper bowed and closed the door softly behind him.

"Great. More trouble to have on grand-pappy's thoughts." Brady said.

Author's note: Lel. I'm had trouble with the phrase "crook of the neck." You know, the part where the neck and shoulders meet? The more I thought on it, the more the error became apparent. So I tried "angle of the neck" and that sounded sharp as hell! So I settled for "curve of the neck" Haha!

And yes, the chapter is taking a part 3! I'm so sorry about this!

As much as I'd like to move on and get to the other couples, I spent quite sometime thinking up the scenario for Themis that I felt it would be a waste not to use. I could have ended the story right after dinner scene, but I already wrote how I wanted this to end and needed to bridge the gap from there to where I want it to end. The next part is the last! I promise! Though I don't know how much that's worth since I broke my scheduling with you guys, haha...

Seriously though, once I finish college, I'd have more time on my hands on my break. Oh, and I'll try not to keep writing such long chapters. I have more in store for Avatar and Lucina than just their reunion. SOOOO much more.

Sage's Hamlet will have to wait until the break before I continue writing it too. I read up on ceremonies for wedding and such, but I wanted to create my own. And the dialogue will have to be split. Meaning I'll be showing Dante's POV then Lucina's POV then as they near the altar, merge into one. Not to mention I want Morgan have a certain tie in for later chapter of LaG. You'll just have to wait and see what those are! Stay tuned!