Hehehe...I dreamed about the next major part coming up. Since before I even started this story. It's a sign, I tell you! A SSSIIIIGGGNNN!!!
Can anyone please tell me who on Tellius I am missing? I've played through Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn a lot of times, but I've never gotten the Info conversation called "Stefan". And I'm still missing ONE song from the game, as well as ONE character! IT'S KILLING MEEE!!!
AHUGEFANGIRLOFYOU: Wow! Your review made me feel so happy! I'm super duper happy that you like it so much! A genius...? MWAHAHAHAHA I HAVE BEEN DUBBED A GENIUS! (gives many cookies) Inspirement is gooooood, isn't it? :-P I hope you enjoy what I've got coming up next!
Chef Colette: I'm glad you liked the scene between Volke and Yune. It was something random, but I just HAD to throw Volke in there. If he DID change...God help us all. Haha, thanks for your review!
Vampireizzy: Thank you! I'm glad you like it!
Disclaimer: Yes, my love for this story – which I do NOT own the actual game – has caused me to momentarily put ALL my other stories on HOLD. Aren't you all so lucky? 0=)
XxXxXxX
Chapter 8
So? What do you think of this so far? Pretty far-fetched, huh? WRRRONG! You're lucky I can't see you nodded your head, raising your eyebrows, or read your mind! Because it could happen to you next.
...Yes, you!
So, I've been here now for about two weeks and all my memory of my past life is slowly slipping away. Although, the one thing that sticks in my mind is: "Come now, Mihara. You will return. I promise."
Only now, I can't decide if I want to go back or not. I feel so complete here, but...I can't just leave everyone in my world without letting them know I won't be there anymore...and the only thing I have left of my world is that little MP3 player I've been dying to get rid of. But now...I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. The only reason I would give it up now is because I would completely accept my life here and that would mean forgetting everyone at home. Well, Earth, 'home'.
And I just don't think I'm ready to do that.
XxXxXxX A Few Days Later... XxXxXxX
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Say what?" Mihara gaped.
"The only time you would actually have to dance is when you and Tibarn make an appearance as the hosts," Janaff explained, almost amused by Mihara's reaction.
"Are you freaking kidding me?! I can't dance to save my life!" Mihara cried.
"Ginia can teach you. I know you two are becoming good friends."
"But...but...a dance? A party, get-together, whatever, I can take. But dancing?"
"Come ooonnn...it's a party to welcome the new laguz to the continent – officially. You have to go, as the daughter of the king."
"I'm guessing that means I have to dress up?" The teen laguz grumbled.
"Yes."
Mihara hung her head as she and Janaff sat together outside in the garden of Altiaire – something that the female laguz of all who lived in the palace and nearby took care of. There were large flowers – most of which Mihara had never seen before. She finally declared, "Fine, if I have to. As long as I see what I have to wear beforehand."
Janaff scoffed. "Please. If you wish it, you can custom-make one. I mean, the party isn't until a week from now."
This idea seemed to cheer Mihara up a little. "Okay. This still sucks. I haven't worn a dress...for a long time."
"Alrighty, then. I'll go tell His Majesty."
"I suppose I need to head to lessons with Vlas..."
"Well, you've been doing pretty good while you've been training. I can tell that you're getting used to switching back and forth so much."
"...Thanks, Janaff."
With a smirk, Janaff left. Mihara sighed and turned to the flowers behind her. They appeared similar to tiger lillies, but they were much smaller and had many, many more petals on it. She muttered darkly, "I suppose I better get this done with for today."
XxXxXxX
"A party?" echoed Ranulf.
"King Tibarn has sent word that Altiaire will host a get-together for the new laguz. We should send as many as possible," Skrimir smirked evilly. "So we can give King Tibarn trouble."
Ranulf chuckled. "Well, none of the laguz have had an official party since before the Serenes Massacre. I suppose this is a somewhat big deal. Altiaire is fairly large. Did he ask for a limit to send?"
"No. He just said to send as many as wished." Skrimir paused to stare up at a tree. "Perhaps I'll go."
"I'm going, for sure," Ranulf snapped playfully. "I want to get on their nerves more about building a port."
"I'm sure that if they're expecting so many guests, they will at least have a small one built."
"You know...they may ask you to dress up, Skrimir."
The Lion King practically jerked to a stop. When he stared at Ranulf, the cat nodded in repeat confirmation. Skrimir grinned and patted Ranulf on the back. "You go and have a good time."
"Aw, c'mon. After all that? You don't have to dress up if you don't want to. Traditionally, for laguz, the only ones who have to dress up are the main hosts."
"Remind me to never have a party."
"Sure thing. Well, I suppose when we'll get back, we can around word of the party."
"Yes."
"Who knows, Skrimir? Maybe you'll even meet a pretty girl there," Ranulf pointed out.
Skrimir playfully glared.
"Sheesh, just pointing out..."
"Ranulf..."
"Yeah?"
"If you want, you may go early. Help them set up."
Ranulf stared at his king suspiciously. Skrimir gave him a knowing glance. "I'll tell everyone-"
"No, no, no! I'll go, I'll go..."
XxXxXxX
"A welcoming? Well, that's nice," Laurel said.
"Will you go, Lady Laurel?" Rafiel asked.
"I suppose it would be rude if I didn't. What of you all?"
Instantly, all the children of Lorazieh said they would go, as did Lorazieh himself. Laurel laughed softly. "I see that you're all fond of the hawks."
"They are our closest friends and guardians," Reyson explained. "They are almost closer than family."
"They are family to me," said the Heron King.
"That's wonderful. Many of my people may wish to stay, however. Since we just arrived, and it may be rather noisy – more than we're used to – they may wish to stay behind. Will you accompany me, Adrian?"
"Of course, milady," Adrian answered without hesitation.
"I will go and see what Lady Nailah will do," Rafiel informed, walking off towards Hatari's lands, Leanne trailing after him.
"I will be surprised if any dragons attend," Reyson sourly muttered.
XxXxXxX
"No, you can't send Rajaion! He's much too young. He can't defend himself!" Kurthnaga insisted.
"Then send his guardians with us," Ena protested. "Besides, King Kurth, not only do we need to ever slightly keep in contact with outside events, the Begnion and Deain rebels cannot get to Altiaire without being noticed. Altiaire is honestly the safest country at the moment."
Kurthnaga set his jaw. "You cannot take an infant to a party, Ena!"
"I can assure you, King Kurthnaga, if you allow Ena to go, along with Gareth or I or both, we would not leave her side to even get a drink." Nasir crossed his arms casually.
"It's not any of you I worry about – I know that you can all take care of yourselves – it is Rajaion I am worried about! I am honestly surprised that you even mentioned the idea of taking him with you, Ena."
"It is because that get-togethers such as this are extremely rare to laguz," Ena explained. "Who knows when another opportunity will come around!"
"I swear to you, Your Majesty, we will keep him safe. You must also think of everyone else who would protect Rajaion. The other tribes know how rare it is for our tribe to have a baby. Young Rajaion is the first in centuries," Nasir pointed out.
Kurthnaga narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought.
XxXxXxX
"Of course I'll go," Micaiah said, smiling. "It's been forever since we last saw the others. Our rebel situation hasn't been that bad."
"True. And it's only been three years, for most of them," Sothe corrected lightly with a smirk. "But I will accompany you."
"Thank you, Sothe."
"No need for thanks. You know that I'll follow you everywhere."
"Of course. But I still want to say it, Sothe."
"Well, then...you're welcome."
XxXxXxX
Sanaki hesitated. "I would be pleased to go to this party, but I feel uneasy about leaving the country with the rebels out there."
"One of us will accompany you, Empress," Sigrun suggested. "The other can stay here and act in your stead."
"I suppose that may be what we have to do..."
"Empress?"
"Yes, Sigrun?"
"I've noticed you've been a little distracted lately..."
"Oh, it's-it's nothing. I promise."
Sigrun looked suspiciously at her. "If you say so, apostle."
XxXxXxX
"Kieran, when we go, you will be in charge of the Royal Knights. If anyone is threatened by these rebels – in case they come towards Crimea – I give you permission to act as you see fit. My uncle will stay with you."
"Of course! Thank you for trusting me with this, Your Majesty!" Kieran bowed low. "I swear to you that I will keep this country safe in your short absense."
"I'm assured to know that I have such a dedicated follower, Kieran. Thank you."
"No thanks, Queen Elincia. I am doing my duty to my country and to my friends."
Elincia smiled. "Still, I feel like you should know I appreciate it. Lucia, Geoffrey, Bastian, and Oscar will go with me when the time comes."
"Very well."
XxXxXxX
Keenan stared as the hawk messenger flew off. "We can't possibly go out there for a silly party."
"Lord Keenan, it would be wise if we went," Aislyn insisted. "This 'party' is for us, King Xavier, and Lady Laurel; to welcome us to this continent."
"What if everyone doesn't wish to go? We have not yet settled into new land. We are just barely out of Gallia."
"They may stay with the Wolf Queen. Since we are headed there, I think that the wolves will allow those who don't wish to go, stay."
Keenan grunted. "We shall see."
Aislyn smirked, knowing that when her king spoke in that tone of voice, she had won.
XxXxXxX
"Hey, Mist!" Boyd called.
The leader of the Griel Mercenaries turned. "Yeah, Boyd?"
"I just heard that there's a party that King Tibarn is hosting in a week for the new laguz. Anyone is welcome." Boyd grinned hopefully.
"You? A party?" Mist smirked. "I thought you were the silent guy who stood in the corner."
"Aww, c'mon, now. I wanna go to see everyone in Altiaire. They're my buds, too!" The young man put on a pouty face.
"I suppose we can go. Even with these rebels around, no one's been in any trouble, yet. We can ask around to see who wants to go."
"Awesome! Thanks, Mist! -Oh and I heard from Queen Elincia that she's going and Oscar is going, too."
"I love how word gets around so fast," Mist muttered. "But okay."
"Will you go?"
"Sure. I miss King Tibarn and the others, even though they were just here. Since they were on business, we didn't really get a chance to catch up."
"Yeah..." Boyd looked at her for a moment before grinning evilly. He cupped his hands around his mouth and called, "Hey, guys! There's a party in Altiaire! If you wanna go, scream 'Boyd rules!'"
"Shut up, Boyd!" Those nearby snapped.
"Well, you better start packing...! You jerks!"
"Will there be girls?!" Gatrie inquired excitedly.
XxXxXxX The Next Day... XxXxXxX
"So, you don't know how to do dance at all?" Ginia frowned.
"Nope."
"Not even a waltz?"
"Well, I've seen people do it, but I've never done it..."
"Okay, well since you and King Tibarn need to have the first dance, it may as well be a waltz. Would you prefer I find a man who will practice with you?"
"Umm...whatever you want. That might be a little...easier, I suppose..."
Mihara watched as Ginia nodded and left the room. Mihara hoped it wouldn't be Vlas. While he was somewhat handsome to her, she still didn't want to learn to waltz with her battle instructor. He was kind, but when he was teaching, he became rather ruthless. She went and sat on a chair, waiting on Ginia to come back.
A waltz, she groaned. I can't believe this.
She then heard running footsteps coming towards her, and Mihara stood, facing the doorway. Janaff stuck his head through. "Lady Mihara, please, come quick!"
As Mihara ran to Janaff, following him, she demanded, "What's wrong?!"
"I'm not quite sure, but I need you to confirm something for me!"
When they arrived outside, Mihara noticed a strange noise. "What is it, Janaff?"
"Do you hear that?"
"That high-pitched noise?"
"Yeah..."
"What is it?"
Janaff stared up suspiciously at the sky. As suddenly as Mihara had heard it, the sound stopped. Janaff shook his head. "I'm not sure what that was, but whatever it was, it wasn't good..."
"What do you think it was?" Mihara looked up, half-expecting Ashera's judgment light to strike.
"I'm not sure. Anyway, I just wanted to see if you could hear it. Ulki heard it first, naturally. You should go back. Ginia will be wondering where you are." As Mihara began to walk away, Janaff added, "And don't be surprised by who is already here."
"What? Who-?" Mihara turned back to Janaff, but the hawk was already walking off. She narrowed her eyes at his backside.
Shrugging it off, she walked back inside, finally remembering each turn she had to take to get to the room she had been in. She peeked inside. Ginia wasn't back yet. She quickly sat back down in the chair and pretending that she'd been waiting the entire time. It was only a few moments more when Ginia appeared. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Mihara."
"It's okay, Ginia. Did you find someone?"
Ginia smirked, almost evilly. "I did."
Ranulf leaned into the doorway, "Hey, Mihara."
The Hawk King's daughter instantly flushed. "Wha-what? What are you doing here, Ranulf?"
"King Skrimir ordered me to come early. Blackmailed me into it, more like... But either way, I'm here and can't speak to King Tibarn yet. So, Ginia came and got me. What's this you need help for? Dancing?" Ranulf crossed his arms, obviously amused.
"Umm...yeah...I've never danced formally before..."
"Is that so? Well, we'll simply have to fix that. Has Ginia already taught you the steps?"
Beginning to think Ginia had planned this thing to happen, Mihara glanced at her with narrowed eyes (and in return, got an innocent smile). "No...she thought it would be better if I learn with a male."
"...Oh, sure. That makes perfect sense." Ranulf muttered, "Maybe I should've paired Skrimir up with a girl to make him learn how to dance..." He turned his different colored eyes back to Mihara. "Anyway, let's get started, shall we?"
XxXxXxX
"Okay, Hadrian, so who all is going?"
"Only a handful, King Xavier. Eight are wanting to go. The rest wish to stay. King Skrimir's men also say they would rather stay and finish the castle."
Xavier nodded understandingly. "Alright, then. Thank you, Hadrian."
"You're welcome, Your Majesty." Hadrian bowed and left his king to stand on the cliff, overlooking some of his people who were out in the water.
That girl otter...for some reason, there is something eerily familiar about her. Something about her makes me uneasy. I can't stop thinking about her. There aren't any...love feelings, but she's just...
Xavier's eyes widened at an idea. No...it can't be her...after all...she disappeared from Nylonti over fifteen years ago...
XxXxXxX
"Apostle...you will attend the party, and you will need to remember who all was there of your old companions."
May I ask why, goddess?
"I fear that one of them has fallen onto the wrong path. I fear that they will try and hurt you and your country."
Why am I not allowed to tell anyone about you, goddess?
"Your people trust you enough already. Even though you are not the firstborn of the Altina descendants, you have just needed more time to hear the voice of the goddess: me."
What is your name, if I may ask?
"My name, you will find out in time."
Very well, goddess. Also, do you know if the...one you believe will harm Begnion is a beorc or laguz? Sanaki shuddered at the very thought that one of her trusted companions could betray her.
"No, I do not. However, you may need to remember the names."
As you wish. I will do that.
Sanaki waited for more instruction by the goddess, but didn't hear any. She stood up from kneeling before the alter of Begnion. She stared up at the window painting of Ashera. She listened to the rain falling outside and smelled it as someone behind her entered the cathedral. She turned to leave beofre she saw Volke, standing there before her. She looked up at him with surprise. "Volke? How dare you sneak up on me!"
"Empress, I must speak with you in private. I am on a contract with the Goddess Yune." The fireman narrowed his eyes at her.
At Yune's name, Sanaki nodded. "Very well. We can speak back in the side room."
Volke followed Sanaki into the empty room, glancing around him the entire time, as if waiting to be attacked. When Sanaki closed the door, Volke got right down to it. "Goddess Yune would like to know if you have heard the voice of a goddess. Any at all. A simple 'yes' or 'no' will suffice."
Sanaki's eyes widened. Goddess, if it is Yune's wish, may I tell Volke of you?
There was no respond. Sanaki wasn't sure of what to do. However, since Yune was another goddess, she supposed it wasn't the best idea to lie. "...Yes, I have."
"Good day, Empress." Volke left the room without hardly a sound. Sanaki frowned. She wondered what that was all about.
XxXxXxX
"You're kidding, Yune," Tibarn protested, his eyes filled with worry.
"I'm not. I'm serious. And I don't like this."
Tibarn sighed. "Do you have an idea of how we can prevent it from happening?"
"The herons need to guard it. If the swans can sing galdrar, they need to sing to it, too. Perhaps we can keep her from waking up if she's engulfed in the music I was."
"But still, this is a little hard to believe. She was destroyed. I saw it with my own eyes."
"As did I. Zihark had found the medallion, but...he couldn't see the flame. None have yet been able to see the flame. Perhaps it's just too weak at the moment, which is a good thing."
"...Damn. This is not good. I'd take rebels in Altiaire compared to this..."
"I don't want to start a panic by telling everyone – I thought you could keep it secret; at least for a while."
"If you want me too, I will."
"Please do, Tibarn."
"Very well."
"Thank you. I'm sorry to be off so soon, but I've been busy lately. I need to get back to Nevassa."
"It's no problem. We'll see you later, Yune."
"Bye, Tibarn!"
With that, Yune became a bird and flew from Tibarn's window. The Hawk King watched after her. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall behind him, falling into deep thought. There had to be a way – some way to prevent that event from occuring. If it did happen, he knew that it might mean the destruction of the world. And that...wouldn't be good.
A knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts. He bid whoever it was to enter, and Janaff stood before him with a worried look. "What is it, Janaff?"
"I need to speak with you about something, Your Majesty..."
"...Very well."
XxXxXxX
For the eighth time, Ginia was making Mihara run through the steps of a waltz with Ranulf. Slowly, but surely, Mihara could tell that her 'two left feet' were becoming one left foot and one right foot. However, now that Mihara had gotten the hang of it, she felt like Ginia just felt like playing matchmaker.
For the eighth time, Ranulf bowed when the two finished the dance, Mihara curtsying properily. "I think you've done pretty good," Ranulf said before Ginia could order them to do it again.
"Thanks..." Mihara smirked slightly. "I never would have thought you were a good dancer, Ranulf."
"Why's that? I've gone to one party before." Ranulf winced at a memory. "Giffca wouldn't let me rest until I learned three dances..."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. So you see, Ginia's not that bad-"
"Miss Ginia! Pardon me for interrupting. Can you come help us with something right quick?" A male hawk stuck his head in the door.
"Yes, of course!" Ginia turned to say to Mihara, "We can pick this up later tomorrow," and left.
Mihara and Ranulf stood in awkward silence for a few moments. However, Ranulf eventually inquired, "Wanna take a walk?"
"Sure."
Mihara followed the cat outside to the Altiaire gardens. Ranulf said slowly, "So, umm...while I was back in Gallia, I made you something."
"Really?" Mihara's eyes lit up. "You didn't have to make me anything..."
"Nah, it's okay. Think of it as a belated 'welcome to Tellius' sort of thing." Ranulf dug into his pocket and held out a necklace. Attached to the leather rope was a fair-sized piece of wood with carving. Mihara looked closer and saw that Ranulf had carved a flying hawk in the center, it's talons raised as if ready to attack. She beamed, accepting it from him.
"Thank you so much, Ranulf! I love it! How long did it take you to make this? The detail is really good!" Mihara wasted no time slipping it on over her head. It hung right below her collarbone, the backside of the wood feeling as if it were polished.
"Not that long, really. I carve things whenever I'm thinking about stuff," Ranulf explained casually, as though he did something like that every day.
"How long have you been carving?"
"For a while. I started that as a sort of hobby long before the Mad King's War."
"Thank you...again." Mihara smiled. "It's really cool."
"No problem." Ranulf paused, then smirked slightly. "Well, let's see if we can start making this party come together!"
Mihara groaned at him, emphasizing she wasn't looking that forward to it.
XxXxXxX
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a party! For laguz and beorc alike. Now, all of you who groaned in disappointment when you read that, SUCK IT UP! Have no fear, because something...major...will happen at the party. Major, as in, exciting and important.
But what is it...?
MWAHAHAHAHAA LIKE I'M GOING TO TELL YOU!
Please review!
