6/18/14

Seeing as its a 4 parter I kinda wanted to upload 2 and 2 as opposed to the usual 1 every other day!

Anyway this chapter is like 'Peaceful Interim' it does not run parallel to a Chapter from Radiant Dawn and is instead taking place in the lapse between Unforgivable Sin and Rebirth Part I.

Is it odd to have the joint armies camping out, waiting one more night before attacking the Tower knowing that the Goddess is preparing a 2nd strike to petrify everyone who is left?

Maybe Ike as Commander follows the Malkuthian laws of war as stated by Jade Curtiss "Soldiers are given 24 hours of leave before any engagement." Paraphrasing a bit but those are his words at their very base.

Respite

Sitting up from her bed and stretching, Nephenee could not remember the last time she felt this good and relaxed.

Turning she couldn't help but giggle at Heather's off position, sprawled all over her side of the bed with one leg dangling over the edge.

Sighing she looked out the window and the war that they had been fighting seemed like it was long gone.

"This is the kinda mornin I'd make breakfast for my family…with everythin calm n all…what I'd give for a mornin where all I have to worry about is if I have enough eggs for the lil ones."

Standing, Nephenee grabbed her comb and began running it through her hair while retrieving her armor.

"We're almost to Sienne…this is almost over…I know we can do this."

Nodding to herself Nephenee continued to get ready as Heather yawned, stretched and looked about. She noticed the pieces of Nephenee's armor were no longer on the floor and nodded to herself.

"Early riser…to be expected from someone who grew up on a farm though…if it wasn't for this war I'd sleep in."

Grabbing her things, Heather yawned again and retrieved her bandana, wrapping it around her head.

The rogue almost tripped over Nephenee's stray helmet, seeing it on the ground, forgotten, Heather couldn't help but smile.

Hearing a door open the gold haired woman looked up to see Nephenee.

"Mornin beautiful."

Picking up the helmet Heather walked over to Nephenee with an unrelenting smile as the Halberd nodded to her.

"Heather…"

Putting the helmet on the other woman she gave her a look "What's up Neph?"

Eyes focused on Heather, Nephenee wasn't sure what she wanted to say. What should she say right now? She thought about her mom's warnings over sleeping in other people's beds and countered those with it was her bed she let Heather in. She thought about introducing Heather to her family down the line and the date following the war. A lot of personal things but none of them wanted to present themselves through her voice to Heather.

"I just…"

Sighing she let all the thoughts go and just spoke "I'm just very happy is all."

Heather gave the other woman a wide grin "Me too."

Road to Sienne

"That's quite the sight, isn't it?"

Mia stated with a smile, Gatrie who was next to her looked ahead to see Heather and Nephenee talking. They both seemed very happy and they were holding hands.

"Well, they are good friends…I thought you knew this?"

Mia laughed at Gatrie and shook her head "C'mon Gatrie."

"What?"

"I second your statement, Mia."

The swordmaster and general turned as the Wolf Queen joined them.

"Queen Nailah."

The queen gave Mia a look causing the swordmaster to chuckle "The land where you came from Nailah, Hatari…it sounds…I don't know, like a really happy place with its-"

"Lack of customs?"

Mia shook her head "Not lack…just…well your people were separated from the rest of Tellius for so long there are many customs we have here that you just never adapted…and I'm honestly glad for it. Even being born here there are things that just…make no sense to me."

Gatrie nodded "Before the Mad King's War I was never around many Laguz…barely saw any during a brief stint in Gallia as it was mostly with a Beorc settlement but…I never understood the issues with em."

Nailah smiled "From what I understand your best friend is quite the…well he doesn't like Laguz that much."

The three glanced over to Shinon talking with Rolf then back to their own conversation where Gatrie spoke "He's getting better."

Mia nodded "Not just him…our tactician, Soren was also quite cross with Laguz in the past."

"He's much better all-around now." Gatrie added, thinking about how much more calm and relaxed the Mercenaries' tactician has become since the Mad King's War.

Nailah was about to speak but then thought something to herself, looking back at Soren she narrowed her eyes.

"What do they call those here? Branded? From the looks of it, the rest of the group doesn't know about it…there must be a reason for that…I'll keep to it to myself…"

Nailah then turned and looked to Nephenee and Heather again "True relationships…the ones that will last…its always so uplifting to see them."

Mia nodded before glancing back again at the tactician with Gatrie scratching his head "Relationships?"

The group continued with Rafiel receiving notice from the Hawk Army. Apparently they reunited with Bastian and engaged in battle against the deranged Summoner Izuka, finally bringing the menace to an end and with him, hopefully, all Feral Ones.

The group's spirits were greatly heightened with this knowledge, leaving only those who remained in Begnion, the Senator Lekain and the Goddess.

"Well…look at that."

Heather stated though Nephenee remained silent, the Tower of Guidance was now in sight, the massive structure was giving off a fierce glow, the Halberd's sense came back to her. Something bad was going to come from this glow if they didn't stop it.

Ike gave the order to prepare for combat, they were nearing Sienne and there was a great chance that a large detachment of the Disciples of Order was waiting for them.

As the Greil Army neared the Gates of Sienne they were met by Micaiah's Silver Army with Skrimir greeting their Vanguard leader.

Mia turned just as Marcia tackled her with a massive hug "Great to see again! You would not believe what we had to go through!"

As they separated Marcia spotted Heather and Nephenee approaching and gave each of them a hug.

"Believe me, no matter what it is you went through something crazier happened to us." Mia stated.

Laughing Marcia continued "Maybe so but we managed to take down that Numida guy and recruit an old friend!"

Marcia gestured behind her to where Stefan was, the man directed a swift bow towards them in response.

Still facing Marcia, Mia smiled "Take a look at this."

Before Marcia could speak she noticed what Mia was gesturing towards. Unless the heat from Grann was still affecting her, Marcia was looking at Oliver marching alongside the Greil Army and wandering a little too close to Rafiel, though Volug was protecting the heron.

"O-Oliver…"

Marcia trailed off as Mia, Nephenee and Heather laughed.

Once the Greil and Silver Armies reached the Gates of Sienne they began preparations to breach. However the gates opened on their own revealing the Hawk Army as well as Caineghis and Giffca. Having arrived first, Tibarn's army took the initiative in wiping out the Disciples of Orders that surrounded the Tower of Guidance.

United once again the joint armies were met by Yune, speaking through Micaiah she told them to prepare, the strongest of Ashera's faithful awaited them within the Tower, everyone needed one last night of rest before proceeding to what very well could be the finale.

Tower of Guidance Base Camp

As the powers that be met in Ike's tent, Mia strolled up to Stefan.

The man smiled as she approached and bowed "Mia...it has been a while."

"You aren't the easiest guy to get ahold of."

Stefan chuckled "I assume a visit to Grann isn't something you just…decide to do."

Mia shrugged "It's hot. It's far from my Crimean home…it's hot."

"Well." Stefan gripped his hilt "I imagine you didn't come to chat?"

With nod Mia followed Stefan "I'll warn you now Desert Lion, I've grown much stronger over the course of these last years."

"Excellent." Was all Stefan said as he drew out Vague Katti.

Heather smiled to herself, Calill had joined them earlier and told them of Renning's whereabouts, using the same methods as the Feral Ones Izuka morphed Renning into the Daein Rider, Bertram. Now that he has been healed she could see the absolute happiness in Queen Elincia's face as she spoke with her retainers and her Uncle Renning. Internally she was always thinking of Nephenee but she couldn't help but admire all the other beautiful women around.

"So that's Bastian…he's much shorter than I'd imagined…"

"He makes up for it in his statesmanship…I think it's safe to say he fights politics better than he fights men."

Heather turned to see Tanith standing next to her and smiled "Hey…Tanith…thanks for your words before."

"I imagine everything went well?"

Heather exhaled deeply "Much better than that…"

Renning and Geoffrey eventually excused themselves from the meeting and prepared to duel with Bastian taking on the judge's role and Lucia and Elincia looking on.

"Tanith…when you said you were like me-"

"It is as you imagine Heather. I must say the similarities don't end with us..."

Heather glanced to her side, looking past Tanith to see Nephenee, Calill and Marcia watching Mia and Stefan duel.

"You're…significant other is…shy?"

Tanith tilted her head "Not quite…more that she isn't as forward as me. Soft spoken…but not shy."

Heather recalled what she had asked Nephenee at Tanas' Manse "Was it…hard being…publicly open about your relationship?"

Tanith laughed at that and shook her head "If you understood my reputation and it's full effect you'd know that no one in Begnion would dare criticize me…so…in most situations, it was actually rather easy being open…"

Heather thought about herself, she was loud and assertive but if having a reputation like Tanith's would keep a certain brand of people quiet, she'd love it. Either way, she swore she'd be there for Nephenee for anything, she wasn't going to let some stranger whisper about them and make Nephenee uncomfortable.

Heather: Wait…most situations?

Tanith: My partner and I are both high ranking commanders in Begnion. She says it's…unprofessional for us to act like an 'us' while on duty.

Heather: Is that…hard?

Tanith: I'm not one who would come out and say I need love and attention every waking minute…but I love her and I regularly make sure she knows it…even in professional situations. I think she's grown use to it.

Heather looked to the older woman next to her who once again cut her off and place a hand on the rogue's shoulder "Everything will work out. Trust me."

"What the-"

Soren shook his head and blinked a few times. He wasn't sure what he was looking at, Vague Katti on the ground near Stefan and Mia pointing her blade at him.

"Stefan is peerless…has she really been training that much?"

The green haired trueblade laughed as Mia extended her arm and helped him up.

"Your dedication is something else, Mia. I'm thoroughly impressed."

Mia smiled before noticing Soren "I think I see someone else who is!"

As Mia skipped away Calill, Marcia and Nephenee neared Stefan with Calill speaking "You're still as fluid with that blade as ever, Stefan. Nothing to worry about."

The Trueblade nodded "I know my skill is still as sharp as ever but I never imagined that level of growth."

"Did you see that, Soren?

The Sage looked to Mia "Just the end of it…"

"Impressed?"

Seeing Mia's smile and hopefulness, Soren felt something odd, sighing he spoke "Yes…you've been in this mercenary group for a few years now and I never really noticed how strong you'd become until now."

Mia laughed "Well, it's hard to notice things like that when you're always lost in your books."

Soren smirked "Maybe so…but I've got someone skilled watching my back."

Mia fell silent, not sure how to respond as Soren began walking away.

"Hey, Charmer."

"Heather."

"Mia? You alright?"

Mia shook herself and turned to Heather "Never better…actually, I just remembered something!"

Heather tilted her head as Mia led her over to Marcia "Hey, what was that thing you said you found?"

Marcia looked up to the pair and snapped her fingers "Right! During our battle in Grann I saw this sparkling in the sand and had some crazy urge to grab it, I think you'll find it most useful Heather."

The rogue was about to ask what until Marcia produced a rather extravagant looking dagger. Heather took it in her hands and glanced at the name written along its hilt "Baselard."

Smiling, Heather spun the dagger around and tested its weight "Feels good…I'm sure I can work wonders with this, thanks Marcia."

Smiling the Falcon Knight nodded "No problem."

Later that night…

Encamped around the Tower of Guidance, the army settled down to eat. The finale would begin with sunrise; this was their last chance to just relax before taking the fight to the Goddess.

Heather raised an eyebrow and turned to Nephenee "Who's that?"

Nephenee looked to where Heather was pointing "Oh. That's Volke. An assassin who Ike hired back during the Mad King's War, I guess if he's here someone saw fit to hire him."

"An assassin…spooky."

"He's not too bad a guy, just very antisocial."

Mia sat down across from them with food "Volke?"

Nephenee nodded as Mia thought about the assassin "He's efficient in battle, then again when you're livelihood depends on how many people you kill, it's expected."

Marcia then joined the group with Calill and Lucia in tow, the latter sitting next to Mia "Heard about your duel with Stefan, quite the victory."

"You should've seen it." Mia stated with a proud smile.

"From what I got from Bastian, it seems Geoffrey and Renning were having a duel of their own…quite the eventful night." Marcia added before returning her attention to her food.

"By the way, where is Ilyana?" Nephenee asked to which Calill gestured to the left "Pestering Zihark for food in that way she does. After reuniting with him she won't leave the man alone, though he doesn't seem to mind."

Looking around the group, Heather felt better than ever. She noticed Nephenee's hand on her own and smiled, surrounded by good friends and the woman she cared deeply for, she couldn't ask for anything more.

"Mia. Nephenee."

The pair turned as Soren approached, Mia called out "Hey Soren!" while Nephenee followed with a casual "What's up?"

The sage cleared his throat before speaking "It would be more harmful for us to bring everyone into the Tower of Guidance so we decided to form a small elite group of our best warriors. I've been working for a few hours and have determined that we need the two of you."

Mia laughed "Soren, no need to be so serious. We get it, right Neph?"

The Halberd nodded then turned to Soren "Am I…really one of the best?"

The sage raised an eyebrow "You don't believe yourself to be? After going through my own reports and some reports from other Mercenaries and allies, I've no doubt you're a good choice."

"No need to doubt yourself Neph, ya got the Charmer guarantee!" Heather added with a smile.

Soren twitched a bit at the nickname, as he turned to return to work in his tent he hoped no one would ask him about it.

"Wait." Nephenee whispered "What about you, Heather?"

The rogue thought to herself "Oh…yeah, Charmer didn't sound like he was considering me…"

"Heather…"

The rogue scratched the back of her head, not sure what she could say.

"If you want to, I can ask him about it." Mia stated.

Heather looked to Nephenee, something she would've continued to do if not for the rest of the table "I don't know-"

Calill laughed "Oh, I see…Heather…I approve."

"You…what?"

"I approve."

Heather gave Mia a look, the swordmaster shrugged "Approve of-"

"You and Nephenee!"

Heather was about to speak when Nephenee cut in "How'd you know?"

"Please! I've been married for a few years now and in love for many more, I know it when I see it."

Lucia nodded "Indeed."

Marcia looked up from her food to the rest of the table "What are you all talking about?"

"You all…knew?" Nephenee and Heather stated in unison.

Lucia chuckled "If I may say so, it was fairly obvious. I see you as a proud individual Heather. I didn't think you'd want to try and hide yourself."

"She was more trying to hide the relationship for…me…not sure how I'd…take it."

Calill nodded and took one of Nephenee's hands in her own "Darling, its fine. No one here will think badly of you."

Marcia looked at Nephenee next to her "You and Heather are…together?"

Heather wasn't sure what to say about all the support her friends were giving her. Nephenee wiped a tear from eye and smiled "Meeting all of you…you really are the best friends anyone could ask for…"

Mia looked to Heather "So…are you okay with Nephenee goin into the Tower without you or?"

Heather sighed "I…Soren's forming a crack team and…Neph can take care of-"

"Heather."

The rogue fell silent and looked to Nephenee "I've never asked for anything from this army…I just…help, I fight…I love bein around my friends and bein with you…this once…I'd like to ask that you come with me…"

Heather smiled "Well…I very well can't say no to that face."

"Soren."

"Mia, what can I-"

"I know you don't like it when people ask you for stuff."

Seeing where she was going Soren added "But…"

"But I'd like you to bring Heather along when we go into the Tower."

The sage stopped and turned to Mia "Why?"

"Why? Well…officially this is a request from Nephenee, suffice to say I don't think she'd be able to ask this of you and she's never asked for anything before."

Soren nodded "We're at war, no one should be able to ask for anything."

"Soren."

The sage sighed "I performed all the calculations whatever Heather can do I'm sure we can count on Sothe to accomplish. She's a good fighter but-"

"Soren please."

The sage looked at Mia's face briefly before turning away "Why does Nephenee want her along so bad? You two are best friends you'll do fine together."

"Soren…they…"

Mia stopped, not sure if she was allowed to share this. Soren looked to her "They what?"

"Surely you've noticed something, you may be aloof but you're not stupid."

"Noticed what?"

Mia rolled her eyes "Nephenee. Heather. All the time they spend together, how close they always are to one another."

Soren thought to himself for a moment "…and?"

"Soren. They…they're…together."

"Together?"

"Yes, together."

Soren furrowed his brows "Together…as in-"

Mia shook her head "Soren. They're together like…like Calill and Largo were during the Mad King's War."

Soren recalled the two from before "They're in…"

He struggled with the last and very unfamiliar word "…love?"

Mia nodded "I'm almost certain their feelings for one another are that deep. Nephenee wants Heather at her side for the end of this and despite her not saying so, I'm sure Heather wants to be with Nephenee."

"Love…but…they're both…women." Soren thought this over, trying to think if he'd ever seen it before but nothing was coming to mind.

"Yes, they're both women…that doesn't mean they can't love one another…Soren."

The swordmaster took one of Soren's hands in her own "Please?"

He still wasn't entirely sure about the whole ordeal but Nephenee was a necessity, her skill with a lance was as refined as Mia's with a blade. If he wanted Nephenee at her best he needed to keep her happy and content.

Sighing he nodded "Very well…I'll talk to Ike about it."

Mia jumped and gave Soren a quick hug "Thank you! They'll be super happy to hear this!"

With that she shot off leaving the sage standing there with an unfamiliar feeling coming over him.

"Neph. Your friends are somethin else."

The Halberd smiled "They're your friends too, Heather."

The rogue nodded and walked over to Nephenee, taking the other woman's helmet off. Heather watched the small pink glow appear in Nephenee's cheeks and giggled to herself.

As Heather put the helmet aside she took a step closer to Nephenee "I don't know what I did to get the honor of meeting you Nephenee…but whatever it was…"

"You're a good person Heather…that's all…you helped me and Brom when we needed it and even though you had no stake in it you stuck with us through the rebellion and these wars against Begnion and Daein…you never left my side…I'm grateful for that."

The two found themselves lost in each other's eyes, not even noticing Mia walk in the tent "Oh…um…"

Clearing her throat the two turned towards her "Sorry I just-"

Heather sighed "It's fine…did you-"

"Talk with Soren, yeah and it's all good. You're comin with us."

Nephenee walked over to Mia and hugged her "Thank you Mia!"

"Not just me, both of you make sure to thank Soren for allowing it."

Heather nodded "When I see him, first thing tomorrow."

Mia looked to the two "We've got a massive day ahead of us, get some rest."

After Mia left, Heather and Nephenee fell to their bed with large smiles.

"We'll be together." Heather whispered.

Nephenee nodded "Everything will be alright…"