6/3/14

Damn it Game of Thrones!

Back on topic, this chapter actually covers the events of two in game chapters though in a very quick way (as per usual)

I've also done quite a bit of rewriting all over it which is one reason why I didn't upload it yesterday (the other being the top line right there, didn't feel like doin much after that episode)

One of the things I wanted to reference was Heather and Nephenee's conversation from the last chapter, just to clear anything up for anyone, following it Heather believes she didn't make her feelings known in the right way and now believes Nephenee will only ever see her as a friend...will she?

Anyway, enjoy!

Surging Feelings

Roaring, Ranulf charged into the swamp followed by several more soldiers of the Beast Tribe and the Greil Mercenaries.

The plan was simple; distract the leading Daein forces long enough for the Alliance to cross the Ribahn. Once the enemy was caught fighting on two fronts they would, hopefully, retreat.

"Look out!" Heather called, leaping high into the air and tossing a knife into a swordmaster, giving Ilyana the time to move away as Boyd ran in to finish the job.

The thunder sage nodded to Heather before returning to the battle. Hearing extremely loud screeches the rogue turned to see Janaff and Ulki fly by and join Haar in holding back the enemy wyverns.

"Awesome."

As Heather proceeded she spotted a man strike a Laguz with the hilt of his blade, the beast fell over as he turned to her.

"You sure do stand out."

Narrowing his eyes he brought both his blades up "Who are you?"

Rolling her eyes, Heather shot forward, daggers colliding with her opponent's blade. "That is something you don't have to know, mister."

Flipping over she kicked him in the chin and spun around, knocking his oncoming blade from her.

"I don't recognize you."

Heather gave the man another odd look "Should you? Whatever, just back off!"

As Heather prepared to move in, a lightning bolt struck near her, bringing her to a halt. "Another sage…where is-"

Ilyana approached "Heather. Stop."

The rogue raised an eyebrow as Ilyana neared the enemy swordmaster "Zihark."

Now looking at Ilyana, Zihark sheathed his blades "So Ike and the Mercenaries are really here…"

Ilyana nodded "Are you going to keep fighting us…Zihark?"

Sighing he turned away "Not right now…but Daein has joined on Begnion's side. Future combat is unavoidable."

As Zihark walked away Heather stood next to Ilyana "He's the Zihark guy? The one who feeds you a lot?"

"Yes." The sage said before returning to battle.

As Heather looked up she saw a massive man slash through several Laguz in one blow. "Who the-"

She felt her arm being pulled away "What!? Nephenee! What are you doing!?"

Releasing the rogue, Nephenee pointed to the large man "T-that's the Black Knight, being anywhere near him is a very bad idea."

"The Black Knight? I thought he was dead."

"So did I."

Even so, Ike moved forward, flanked by Boyd and Haar above.

Nephenee shook her head "He's going to fight him again…"

Heather watched as the Commander and the Black Knight dueled, blades clashing and uninterrupted as Boyd and Haar held off the other Daein forces.

"We need some cover over here!" Shinon yelled.

Looking to each other, Nephenee and Heather nodded before joining the Sniper and the Bishop Rhys.

"I let you win…"

"I had my suspicions…and after all that…I just have to say that I'm glad. I've gotten stronger and now, for sure, I know I can defeat you."

"By all means. Try me."

As Ike prepared to charge Ulki flew over "Ike! They did it! The army has crossed and is engaging the Daein forces from behind. We should go too."

Sheathing his sword, Ike nodded "We will finish this later, Black Knight."

"Indeed we will, son of Gawain."

Serenes Forest

The successful retreat from the Ribahn brought the Laguz Alliance to the still healing Serenes Forest. While the front of the army was focused on reaching the hidden road to complete their return to Gallia, the Mercenaries in back thought of the battle they just waged against former comrades.

"Zihark…really…I heard from Haar he actually ran into Jill. Much like Zihark, Haar couldn't bring himself to fight and withdrew. We were all on the same side once…this is all kinds of messed up." Mia stated, shaking her head.

"I don't understand…why is Daein involved?" Heather asked to which Mia and Nephenee shrugged.

"It don't make much sense…" the Halberd commented with Mia adding "They have nothing to gain, last I checked their capital was still in bad shape from the Occupational Army's final strike…regardless, we've got two armies to run from now."

As the three continued walking Heather looked around the vibrant and returning forest. She knew of Serenes, everyone knew of Serenes, the once home of the Heron Tribe before their massacre and the burning of the forest.

Fortunately, following the previous war it was growing back, hopefully towards its former majesty in due time.

"Guessin you haven't been here either." Nephenee stated.

The rogue smiled "Course not. Never was one for travel. But everything I've seen…its eye opening, I guess a lot like your first traipse through Tellius."

Mia looked at the trees and recalled when Reyson and Leanne sang the song for the forest after they defeated Duke Tanas.

The army ceased moving, concerning the small group.

Mia peered ahead and saw a rather sizeable group of the army commanders including: Ike, Soren, Titania, Skrimir, Ranulf, Janaff, Ulki and Tibarn in deep discussion.

After a while the army found itself changing course "Where are we headed?" Heather asked cautiously.

Mia shook her head "Not sure, I'll go find out."

After she left, Heather turned to Nephenee "By the way, I don't think I properly thanked you."

"For what?"

Heather shrugged "Might've been nothing but…knowing you saw the Black Knight and your first instinct was to warn me…it means a lot to know that you care that much."

Nephenee turned away and ran a hand through her hair "D-don't mention it…"

As Heather smiled to herself she looked ahead to see the army hadn't resumed marching yet. As she was about to ask Nephenee's opinion she heard the Halberd humming a really calming tune.

"Where'd you learn that? It sounds nice."

Nephenee smiled "The herons. It was their galdr. I only heard it in full when they revived Serenes but it stuck to me anyway…durin the peace on the farm I found myself hummin it while I worked. Keeps me goin."

Heather continued to listen to Nephenee hum with a pleasant smile "It really is relaxing…"

Kauku Caves

The atmosphere changed once the Alliance found themselves in the molten and ash filled Kauku Caves. Deciding on the best course of action the army took off in search for an exit while the Mercenaries prepared to hold off any troops that Begnion might send in.

Soren didn't expect any, stating it would be an essential waste of personnel but Begnion went ahead and sent a skeleton force headed by the fearful Septimus.

"This is not the warm locale for relaxation I had in mind!" Heather yelled frustrated as she struck down an enemy Swordmaster.

"I don't like sweating!"

As she leapt away from a General, Brom rushed in and slammed the enemy. As they fought Heather wiped her forehead and turned to see Nephenee and Mia strike down a pair of Druids.

A javelin flew past the rogue and struck an enemy Warrior. Gatrie appeared with a smile "How do you fare, fair Heather?"

"Good. Thanks."

As an enemy swordmaster charged, Heather stabbed him in the arm, causing him to drop his blade and giving Gatrie the opportunity to run him through.

"Keep it up Blue."

With that Heather leapt away as Gatrie called "Will do!"

"Ilyana! Left!"

Nodding to Soren the Thunder Sage turned and zapped a General, stunning him long enough for Ranulf to tackle him.

Boyd and Titania covered the sages as their magic support broke down enemy Generals' armor and pushed the other forces back.

A massive blast was followed by flaming stones shooting down from above and slamming into the earth around the Mercenaries and Begnion's army.

"Look out!" Heather yelled running past Ilyana and taking the sage with her as a flaming rock hit the ground.

"Thank you, Heather."

"No problem."

Quickly Ilyana fired a bolt past Heather into a Sniper, with a smile the sage said "You can feed me to repay me."

"Of course." With that Heather returned to the conflict, seeking the rest of the enemy Snipers before they could get into position around the sages.

Upon striking down a Sage, Ulki turned "Ike! Skrimir has found an exit!"

The Hero turned from Septimus' body "Perfect, everyone! Push through, let's move!"

"This is unbearable." Heather muttered to which Ilyana agreed "It's making me hungry."

"You don't say…"

Ilyana looked up at Heather "What else?"

Raising an eyebrow, Heather turned to the Sage "What else…what?"

"You seem…very frustrated…I heard you yelling quite a lot during the battle."

"The heat-"

"…and something else. Has you on an edge of sorts."

Heather turned to see Nephenee and Mia talking ahead, the exchange she had with Nephenee about her feelings towards the Halberd. "I think I screwed up…"

Ilyana tried to follow Heather's gaze but wasn't sure what she could be looking at aside from the other Mercenaries "Did someone do something to you?"

Heather shook her head "Nah…more like, I did something to myself."

Facing the sage, Heather noticed the interest in her pale eyes and sighed "I'm feeding you, isn't that enough."

"That is for me…I want to do something for you…you've been nice to me since we met and you don't mind when I ask you for food. I'd like to help you…with whatever problems you have…if any…or just…listen."

Heather smiled and put an arm around the sage "Aren't you the sweetest, worrying about me. Okay, you've got a deal."

As the rogue glanced back at the Halberd she thought about what she would tell Ilyana. It couldn't be the whole truth but enough that maybe she can get an idea of what to do about her situation.

Goldoa

Though any plans they made for when they reached Gallia were instantly thrown out when the Alliance came out in the Dragons' Country of Goldoa.

As the leaders entered Castle Goldoa to speak with Dheginsea the army remained outside, most hoping they'd be forgiven for the trespass.

"We would have to go back!?"

Nephenee backed up a bit as Heather whipped around "If I didn't trust Ike and the others I'd march in there and punch that lizard in the face!"

"I certainly admire your fervor." The rogue and Halberd turned to see a tall man with bright blue hair, Nephenee instantly recognized him and the woman following him "Nasir! Ena!"

"Nasir? The guy who helped you our during the Mad King's War? He's a dragon?"

At Heather's look, Nephenee scratched her head "Did I…leave out that part?"

Turning to the dragons Heather pointed at them "Hey! Your boss in there-"

"May very well decided to send you back from whence you came. I know and I don't agree with that decision…that is why I am here."

Nasir stated calmly as Ena spoke up next to him "We'll try our best to allow you passage through Goldoa and back to Gallia."

Heather crossed her arms and spoke under her breath as Nasir smiled at Nephenee "It is good to see you again."

"You as well Nasir."

With that the dragons continued walking towards Castle Goldoa, Nephenee looked to the obviously angry Heather and spoke softly.

"Heather…you really should be more careful about your temper."

Heather turned to Nephenee, any fury she had melted away as soon as she saw the Halberd's face.

"Even after the conversation we had…she still remains close to me…but is it just as a friend or…"

Uncrossing her arms she sighed before shaking her head, dispelling her thoughts.

Realizing the heat of the Kauku Caves had exhausted her she sat on a nearby boulder with Nephenee moving over to sit next to her with a smile "We'll be fine. I know it."

"Thanks Neph…and I'm sorry."

The Halberd laughed at that "It's alright…as much as I get you on it…I like seeing you fired up…you're strong, willing to say anythin."

Heather looked to Nephenee's downcast expression "I'm still not so…comfortable with my words and speech around people…"

Seizing the opportunity, Heather scooted over and put her arm around Nephenee, pulling the woman closer "You don't have to be ashamed of how you talk…between you and me, it's your quiet demeanor that I love."

Nephenee's face grew red as Heather continued "You're judging yourself in a way no one would. Say what you want to and say it how you want to."

Several thoughts went through Nephenee's mind about her conversation with Heather. The rogue admitted to liking her but in all honesty that was fairly obvious. Nephenee expected something…deeper even if she wasn't sure what. Either way she sighed before laying her head against Heather's shoulder.

"You really are a strong person Heather…and thanks…"

Remaining silent the rogue smiled, she did not want to move from that spot and for a few moments the pair was uninterrupted until a familiar voice called out.

"Nephenee! Heather" In response, Nephenee sprung to her feet and away from Heather, both of them turned to see Mia approaching, waving and smiling before reporting what she heard.

"Good news, our old friends Nasir and Ena are guiding us back to Gallia! No more Kauku Caves!"

Heather stood up slowly, the warmth on her shoulder slowly fading away and watched as Nephenee sighed in relief and spoke with Mia.

She then turned to see Nasir and Ena emerge from the Castle along with Ike, Skrimir and the other leaders. Tibarn's voice boomed, giving orders and soon the entire Alliance was following the two dragons.

Road to Gallia

"Hey." Nephenee turned to see Lethe at her side, with a smile the country girl nodded "Good to see you."

Lethe scratched her chin and continued to examine Nephenee who turned away nervously "W-why are you lookin at me like that?"

"You're an odd one."

"H-how so?"

Lethe moved to Nephenee's other side trying to catch her eyes "Right there." Lethe stated as the Halberd turned again.

"On any normal day you look so weak and fragile; no warrior spirit to be found yet in battle, a Beorc warrior worthy of Laguz praise appears and rips through the enemy. Why?"

Nephenee faced Lethe "I…that isn't me."

"It's a part of you at the very least. It is you."

"Lethe…why does this matter to you?"

Lethe sighed "It matters to me because it's something I don't understand. All the Beorc and Laguz I'm close to are refined warriors! The Greil Mercenaries, Jill Fizzart of Daein, Ranulf, Mordecai, Kyza…even my sister Lyre. They know they are warriors…as for you, you seem to…push that identity aside."

"I appreciate the sentiment…I really do. I just…I like being…" Nephenee struggled trying to find a word, then remembered what Heather always says about her "I like being a dutiful person."

At Lethe's silence the Halberd continued "I fight with my friends and for my country…always…even bein as meek as you think I am. I have a strong sense of duty for my home…I jump at every opportunity to fight for what's right…I just don't want it to define me. I still want to be the country girl from Ohma…"

Lethe ran a hand through her hair and smirked "Nephenee of Ohma. You sure are something."

Heather watched as Nephenee spoke with Lethe further ahead, she wasn't sure what they were saying but Nephenee had a somewhat serious and determined expression on her face. Any more thoughts about the women before her were scrambled when another voice spoke up next to her. "Did you really say that?"

The rogue turned to see Ranulf walking alongside her "Say what?"

"I heard from Kezhda that you wanted to punch ol Dheginsea in the face."

Heather rolled her eyes "You Laguz and you're enhanced hearin."

"You've got a lot of spunk Heather, I like that."

"Frankly, that Dheginsea fellow sounds exactly like the kinda man I'd hate."

Ranulf sighed "He's just old fashioned."

"Too old fashioned it seems."

After a short silence Ranulf spoke up again "Why do you hate men?"

"Huh?"

"I often hear you talking about hating different men…but I've never heard you say that of any kind of woman, Beorc or Laguz."

Heather remained silent as Ranulf raised an eyebrow "Personal?"

"You could say that…"

After thinking for a bit Heather looked to Nephenee who was smiling and talking with Lethe and Mia who had joined them. She found herself smiling "…I'd like to say, at the very least…that I just…like women more."

Ranulf followed Heather's gaze to the other women and smirked, "Would it be terrible for me to say the same thing?"

Glancing at each other the rogue and cat burst out laughing.

Lil bit of self promotion, I've mentioned it before but I have a deviantart page at Eienias20, as of lately I've been working on some reconstruction art of Path of Radiance / Radiant Dawn characters, drawing them from their official art in their 3rd tier outfits with some of the best being Marshall Gatrie and Whisper Heather, in addition I've expanded to doing it for fun with a Soldier Nephenee (Path of Radiance) and Anna! (Awakening)

It's hard work but its fun and I hope you check them out!

Other than that, see ya in a few days!