5/23/14

I had so many things to say, but after I learned a certain bit of news, it doesn't matter anymore.

I did not notice that I was not writing rogue as in thief but rouge as in color, I DID NOT BELIEVE THAT I COULD MAKE SUCH A MISTAKE! But after using the Find and Replace function there were 186s instances of rouge and not once did I write rogue.

WOW

But you know, that does not matter because IKE IS BACK IN SMASH 4! Radiant Dawn Ike! Literally as I was editing a video my sister and I recorded where we talked about FE Smash characters, so I'm happy, no more requests about Smash from me...well...aside from hoping for a Vanguard alt, but that's neither here or there.

WE LIKE IKE!

Also, this chapter takes place during the 'break' in Radiant Dawn between the Crimean Rebellion and the Laguz Begnion War, the Greil Mercenaries are at it again but Heather and Nephenee, not much.

Peaceful Interim

"It is so lovely to see you again my dear."

Nephenee smiled as she embraced Calill, following the end of Ludveck's rebellion the two got together and began talking of any little events in their lives. However, one particular aspect seemed to be the focus of the entire conversation.

"And then what happened?" Calill asked as Nephenee prepared to continue recounting the events that brought her to the Queen's aid.

"She just continued to insist on tagging along, going so far as to volunteer our joined services to the Queen's army. I had no problem with helping my good friends…but I didn't want to keep dragging her along."

Calill laughed lightly before putting one hand on Nephenee's "It's fine dear, clearly she is making her own decisions and even clearer is her desire to be at your side as your shield."

The two glanced over to Nephenee's shield propped up against the wall and chuckled before Calill added "You know what I mean."

"She's such a…unique gal…despite my saying that I can watch myself I do appreciate her attentiveness."

A small twinkle came to Calill's eyes as she nodded "I see…"

Looking outside Nephenee snapped her fingers and stood "I promised to meet her today; she wants to spend the last of our time here enjoying the sights before goin back to Ohma."

"Just the two of you?"

At Nephenee's nod, Calill made a sound like she understood everything. The Halberd looked at her oddly but decided it probably wasn't much. Standing, Calill gestured for the other woman to come closer and gave her a hug. Separating, Calill nodded to Nephenee, the pair proceeded to leave the room with Calill commenting.

"Well, I've got a nice place, husband and daughter to return to so I'll leave you to it Nephenee, enjoy yourself."

"Thanks, Calill."

"This is good."

Heather commented, examining herself in the mirror, with the rebel combat behind them there was a few questions regarding what they would do.

At her behest she convinced Nephenee to remain in Melior for a bit more, the two would spend the day together sightseeing and just…being together.

Heather smiled at that last part; she decided to just go casual as opposed to her normal tightfitting clothes she has been wearing. Walking down to the lobby she tossed a few coins to the man behind the counter "Thanks, Heather. Is today your last day here?"

The rogue nodded "Yep, looks like it."

As she opened the door he called out to her "If you don't mind, I get off work in the afternoon, we-"

"I do mind." With that Heather shut the door and skipped down the road.

Nephenee stood looking up at the sun in a rather empty plaza. She would like to think that she wasn't sure why she agreed to hang around in Melior, but at the same time she had this strange desire to spend a little more time with a certain golden haired Rogue, speaking of which.

"Neph!" The Halberd turned to see Heather walking towards her with an odd expression "Is that what you're wearing?"

Nephenee looked down to her clothes "What?"

Heather strolled up to her and flicked Nephenee's hat, just as big and obscuring of her face as her helmet "You know…I'm starting to get worried about your hair…is it healthy?"

Nephenee turned away "Of course it is…I take real good care of it…"

Sighing the rogue hooked her arm around Nephenee "I'm not doubting that but stuffing it in that helmet every day-"

"Is it that weird?"

Hearing the tone in her voice and seeing her expression Heather shook her head "It's not a weird thing or a bad thing…just…odd and unique. I know I've never met someone who…you know, it's alright. Not my place to judge, sorry."

Nephenee shook her head as Heather started walking down the road "It's alright…so…where are we going?"

The rogue scratched her chin "Any place you'd like to drop by?"

"I see…so that's what he's been up to…looks like war and fighting plays a big role in our lives."

Brom stated as he took a drink. Largo nodded to him "Indeed. But knowing Zihark there isn't much to worry about, for such a small skinny dude he is not one I'd like to mess with."

"Especially with the one arm ya got there, Largo."

The bigger man laughed before taking a drink "Have you heard from any of our Laguz buddies? Maurim was here a few weeks back, it was quite the bash."

As Brom prepared to speak he noticed Nephenee and Heather walking down the road, headed towards the docks.

Largo followed his gaze "Ah, the shy country girl and the foxy rogue. Am I just assuming something or have they really hit it off?"

Brom smiled "I'm certain to strangers they would seem like very good friends. They'd never guess that not a month has passed since they met."

As Calill joined them Largo raised his glass "Good for them, stating the obvious: friendships are great to have!"

The sage looked at the pair of retreating figures and nodded "Friendships…"

Putting her hands on her hips, Heather glanced out over the Melior channel, an inlet that housed several ships and provided sea trade straight to the capital.

As Nephenee continued to walk ahead of her the rogue glanced around "So…what's here?"

Nephenee stopped as Heather approached her "Sea breeze."

"Sea breeze? Is that all?"

At that Nephenee closed her eyes and inhaled deeply "It's so soothin…can't ya tell?"

Heather smiled at that "Always the simple things with you, eh?"

As they continued walking Heather glanced at the boats with Nephenee commenting "Have you been on one?"

"Never…honestly…I don't like the idea…"

"Would you get sick?" Heather shrugged at that "I don't know but I wouldn't bet against it…how about you?"

The two came to a stop near a large ship that several men were unloading.

"During the Mad King's War…we came to Toha and met with Nasir. He took us from here all the way to Begnion. I'd like to say the ride was hunky dory but we had all manner of guys after us."

"Fighting even out at sea…geez your group sounds like they were magnets for trouble."

Nephenee sighed "Yeah…"

Together the pair rounded the end of the canal and returned to the city streets "You enjoy reminiscing?"

Nephenee shrugged "Somewhat…I just like tellin my experiences to new people…reliving them…even the less than good ones…feels nice."

"Well, now it's my turn!" Hooking Nephenee's arm again, Heather strolled through the Castle Town.

"I couldn't…Heather…"

The rogue laughed "It's fine, really."

"I wouldn't feel too good havin ya spend your money like this."

"I've got plenty!" Heather stated as the pair walked past several stores selling clothes and jewelry.

"If you see something ya really like, I'll get it for you. Just say the word."

Nephenee turned to see several dresses and some ornate jewelry through a window "That's mighty kind of ya Heather but…I don't wear that kinda stuff…not much use on the farm…bein honest."

Heather nodded slowly "That's true…unless someone asks you out right? Gotta look your best."

Nephenee turned away and laughed nervously "Yeah…"

Heather came to a stop and turned to the Halberd "Wait a minute."

Approaching Nephenee she tilted her head "Has no one ever asked you out on a date before? I don't believe that!"

"Well, I'm not particularly interestin."

Heather shook her head "Don't say that, you're fantastic and beautiful! What kind of men do you live nearby that don't pay attention to that? It's practically a crime!"

As Heather continued, a blush grew on Nephenee's face. "She's always so nice to me…I don't know why, but I…like it."

Stopping the rogue turned to Nephenee "Sorry if I went off on a tangent…uh, let's head back."

Nodding Nephenee walked past Heather, the rogue brushed her hand against the Halberd's. As they continued walking she smiled to herself "A few more days like this…quality time…"

Moving closer to Nephenee, Heather took one of her hands in her own. The Halberd turned to see Heather smiling at her. Before she could speak she heard a familiar voice.

"Nephenee? Is that you?"

The pair turned to see a somewhat sickly looking girl.

Nephenee smiled and walked towards her, releasing Heather's hand in the process "Ilyana! What brings ya here?"

The Sage sighed "Nothing good, unfortunately."

"What do you mean?" Nephenee asked as Heather approached.

"War broke out between the Laguz nations and Begnion. Muston and Aimee received a message from Ike requesting their aid along with a few other old friends. We're heading south to meet him."

Heather swallowed "War? Again? Now!?"

Nephenee noticed the merchant caravan; Brom and Haar were standing near it while speaking with Muston.

As Nephenee began thinking to herself, Heather saw the look on her face "You're going. Aren't you?"

The Halberd glanced at Heather who continued "They're your old friends right? I've heard enough about them from you and I know you enough to know that you'd rush to their aid in a heartbeat."

Nephenee nodded "I'm sorry…looks like we won't be going back to Ohma anytime soon…but this has been a great day, thank you Heather."

Hearing Muston call her, Ilyana walked away with Nephenee starting to follow.

"Is…this it? Is she…leaving?"

"Wait, Neph!"

The Halberd turned "Yes?"

"I thought I told you. I'm stayin by your side…no matter what."

Heather's heart jumped as Nephenee smiled and approached her, the Halberd gave her a quick hug, releasing before Heather could embrace her back.

"Thanks again…Heather…you're…I'm glad you're coming along."

Together they resumed walking, this time towards the Merchants' Cart. Heather glanced at Nephenee quickly, smiling to herself.

Nightfall

The caravan stopped at the side of the road, allowing the group to rest. According to Muston they would arrive at the Laguz Alliance's camp tomorrow afternoon.

After several of them fell asleep, Nephenee stood up and walked a few feet away.

Sitting down against a tree she looked up at the moon and sighed.

"Can't sleep?"

Nephenee turned to see Aimee sitting a few feet away "What's on your mind?"

The Halberd shook her head "Nothin…"

Aimee laughed "Doubtful. It's always something…by the way, didn't quite get the chance to speak with your friend there, who is that? Golden hair? Massive interest in you?"

Nephenee turned questioningly "In me?"

"Well yeah, I tried to introduce myself to her but whenever I looked to her she was either looking at or talking to you."

At Aimee's statement Nephenee looked back at the moon "That's Heather…"

Seeing Nephenee's mind go elsewhere, Aimee excused herself and returned to the camp.

Nephenee continued to think about things, most having to do with the golden haired rogue.