Sorry for all the delays. I'm trying to schedule my time better to write.

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)(

Ulki closed the looming doors behind Reyson to give the prince and king privacy. Reyson cautiously entered; his thin sandals scuffed against the stone floors. Along with the heron's nervous footsteps the sound of rustling papers echoed in the grand throne room. Its high ceilings and marble columns added to the regal feel of the chamber

Tibarn sat in his gold trimmed throne with an unrolled parchment in his right hand and his left hand over his furrowed brow. He rubbed his forehead and scowled while taking in the content of the paper.

Reyson cleared his throat to gain the Kings attention. Tibarn lifted his head quickly with a severe frown on his face. Reyson felt his stomach drop, perhaps his friend was still upset. "Ah, you've arrived." The king said; his face noticeably softening when he saw Reyson.

"Yes, you needed something?" Reyson questioned. He felt a sudden relief when he saw Tibarn's face bear its usual welcoming smile.

"Yeah, take a look at this." Tibarn stretched his hand out with the rolled parchment in it and passed it to Reyson.

The white prince raised one eyebrow in confusion before grabbing the thin paper. He looked at the seal on the top corner and frowned. It was the Goldoa flag. He quickly glanced down at the signature at the bottom. The name Dheginsea was noted there; the King of Goldoa sent this.

"Curious isn't it?" Tibarn interjected, "That old living and stubborn fossil sent us an invitation."

"To what?"

Tibarn had a queer smile on his lips, "keep reading."

Reyson began reading the page and his eyebrows kneaded themselves together in concern. It was indeed an invitation; it was a gathering for all the royal Laguz members. The specifics of why the gathering was being held, however, were not stated.

"It's a gathering for all the laguz leaders." Reyson managed to say, "It's rather strange, do you think all the kings will be there?"

"I can only assume. You, Caneghis, Deghinsea, myself, and even your weasly friend Neasala should all be there."

Reyson rolled his eyes; Tibarn made no attempt to hide his mistrust for the raven king. "Well I hope you plan on getting along when you seem him."

Tibarn shrugged and placed his arms behind his head, "I always treat your black winged miscreants well."

The heron shook his head and glanced down at the page again, "I can't imagine what the Dragon king would want…" he trailed off.

Tibarn stretched and yawned, "Who knows what that bag of scales wants." He leaned back in his throne, "Anyway, the invitation says it's in three months."

"I suppose it's hard to get all the royals together at one time. It would take some planning."

"It's fine." Tibarn began in his heavy voice, "I'm in no hurry to run into that ancient dragon." He slouched in the thrown with a content sigh and closed his eyes. Reyson stayed standing and watched the battle-scarred hawk resting.

No doubt the king had many duties he attended too and far be it for Reyson to disturb him. However, he lingered until Tibarn stirred and opened one eye. "Is something the matter?" he sleepily asked.

Reyson paused, "I just…" he cleared his throat awkwardly, "I wanted to…"

"You're not still worried about this afternoon are you?"

Without saying a word Reyson cast his eyes down and gave a small nod. He heard rustling from the throne and then the sound of heavy wings flapping. Tibarn flew over to him and placed a hand over the heron's shoulder.

"Seriously, it's fine."

"But what I said to you."

"Look Reyson, if I held a grudge over every little thing, I wouldn't sleep through the night."

Reyson lifted his head and looked into the friendly eyes of his old companion, "I sleep very well." He said with a smile.

)(

Aeyori shuffled behind Ikes flowing red cape as the two headed to the second mess room of the mercenary home. After Mist informed Ike of the arrival of Soren, Ike started heading to meet this friend of his. From what Aeyori could gather from brief conversation between the siblings, Soren was a former member the Greil mercenaries. Apparently, he was working with another mercenary group temporarily.

Without hesitation, Ike said he would go see Soren, and Aeyori knew nothing better than to follow behind him. Ike made a sharp turn into an open room with a long dinning table and much of the crowd that she met earlier that morning. Sir Greil, Shinon and Gatrie were gathered around a medium height young man.

He held the attention of the group as he relayed a story to them. When Ike entered the raven-haired boy turned to face him. His face was plain and expressionless as he locked eyes with Ike.

Ike's usually straight face turned to a smile, "It's been a long time Soren."

Soren nodded his head and his stiff demeanor softened, only a little, as he walked over to Ike. "Yes it has been, it's good to see you again."

"I didn't think you'd be back so early. What happened?"

Aeyori studied both boys as they interacted. Ike talked comfortably with the newcomer despite the fact that he could barely talk to her. Soren, on the other hand, was withrawn when he spoke but from what she could tell there was deep respect for Ike.

"Daein?"

Aeyori snapped out of her trance as the word Daein came into conversation. "What is really going on in Daein?" Ike began. He pointed toward Aeyori, "She just had a run in with Daein before we saved her."

The light mage felt her face turn red as attention was suddenly drawn to her. She shot her head down and began tugging at the end of her knee-length flared aqua skirt.

"What were you doing in Daein?"

Aeyori shot her head up at the accusing tone coming from Soren. She met his eerily familiar red eyes. They glowered at her suspiciously and flickered his mistrust. "You just found her? Considering all the unrest in Daein, what was she doing there?" Although the question was directed toward Ike, Aeyori could hear the contempt for her in his voice.

Ike seemed to perceive the intonation, "She was being attacked." he defended.

"And you saw the attack?"

"I saw her come out the bushes with two men chasing her." Ike argued with a hint of irritation he folded his arms and raised an eyebrow at the crimson-eyed boy.

The two stared each other down. Ike loomed over the Soren with determination. Aeyori cleared her throat quietly to interrupt both. "I know it seems suspicious but I'm not working with Daein."

Soren looked at her doubtfully. He nearly stared right through her with misgiving and coldness. "Why should we believe a suspicious vagrant. Why would your father even let her within the Greil fort?"

"Soren?" Ike shot Soren an annoyed look.

"Soren!" A pair of arms wrapped themselves around Soren's neck. His eyes dialated in surprise and he let out a restrained yelp. His once collected face blanched from the surprise then instantly returned to its stoic start. "Hello Ikyna." he addressed her without seeing her face.

Ikyna grinned cheekily as she rested her chin on Soren's shoulder. "Welcome home Soren." The pale man flinched as Ikyna tightened her hold on him, "I missed you."

Soren looked very uncomfortable and breathed heavily through his nose, "It's good to see you as well." he replied in a monotone voice. He held his body tightly and looked as if he would like to break free from the embrace but decided against that choice.

"You're just as friendly as ever." Ikyna teased as she released him.

Soren stared blankly at her, " I am the same as I always have been."

Ikyna just smiled back at him, "I hope you'll be just as welcoming to Aeyori here as you are me."

"I don't have any reason to welcome a possible Daein spy"

Ikyna and Ike both shot Soren harsh looks, "Soren!" they called in unison. Soren didn't seem phased by the twins. He stared at them plainly with a straight face.

"Yeah, you certainly haven't changed much."Ikyna said while shaking her head.

"Why are you back though?" Ike questioned.

Soren glanced between the three youths before him, "Daein and Crimea have gone to war."

)(

Yay, Soren finally made an entrance! Hopefully I can update soon.

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