Author's Note: And we are back! I'll be honest with you all, I had a rough time getting this entry written and published. Chalk it up to an unfortunate mix of writer's block, busy work schedule, and low motivation. But, despite all that, here we are again! As usual, I hope you all enjoy this latest entry, and I especially hope you all have an enjoyable - and safe! - holiday weekend!
Purple Zero: Thank you! To be honest, I have brainstormed a potential story about Fjorm and Kiran meeting their potential child from an alternate timeline before. But I hadn't considered including such a prompt as a one-shot in this series...until now that is. Thank you for the suggestion; it's definitely an idea I'd like to explore in the future, both as a one-shot and perhaps even a longer story!
Sweet Devotion
"Here you go! Thank you for your business!"
"Oh, thank you very much!" Fjorm thanked with a grateful smile as the young serving woman set down the tea and pastries Fjorm had ordered. As the young woman departed back to the main counter of the establishment, Fjorm turned to address the three Heroes accompanying her. "Well, help yourselves you three."
"Ah, don't mind if I do! Thanks!" Hector said with a large grin as he wasted no time in snatching up a small cake. Beside him, Lyn rolled her eyes at the blue-haired noble's lack of decorum, but nonetheless gave Fjorm a thankful smile as she selected a small pastry for herself.
"Thank you again for treating us to teatime, Princess Fjorm," Eliwood said as he also chose a small biscuit for himself. "I think I speak for all three of us when I say we are truly honored by your generosity."
"Please, just Fjorm is fine. And you are quite welcome." Taking a sip of her own tea, Fjorm nodded toward Eliwood. "Kiran spoke highly of you three and your performance in the last mission for the Order of Heroes. I just thought that this would be an appropriate reward, not to mention a well-deserved opportunity to relax."
The four nobles were currently enjoying some downtime at a small tavern in Askr's castle town. The establishment in question was different from most other taverns in the town in that it was well-known for its baked goods. The inside of the tavern gave off a warm, cozy atmosphere which earned itself quite the positive reputation amongst the townsfolk, and even more so amongst many members of the Order of Heroes.
"Well, you certainly chose a wonderful location," Lyn commented. "I never knew a tavern could have such a soothing atmosphere. How did you come across this place, Fjorm?"
"Oh, well," Fjorm began. "It was Kiran who discovered this establishment. Apparently, he comes here quite frequently for their baked goods." Fjorm giggled at the memory of Kiran enthusiastically praising the tavern as he snacked on a cookie during one of the Order's strategy meetings, which prompted Sharena to drag Fjorm, Commander Anna, and any other Heroes she could find to check the place out for themselves once the meeting concluded.
"Heh, figures that's how you heard about this place," Hector chuckled heartily, drawing all eyes to him. "You know, while we're on the subject, I've been meaning to ask…" With a roguish grin, the young lord asked, "What's the deal between you and Kiran? You two courting each other?"
"Ah?!" Fjorm squeaked, clearly caught off-guard by Hector's bluntness, her cheeks beginning to flush a rosy hue. Meanwhile, Lyn smacked her companion on the shoulder with a fierce glare.
"Hector! For shame!" She berated. "I know tact is far from your strong suit, but this is inexcusable!"
Eliwood nodded in agreement, a disappointed frown on his face. "I must agree with Lyn on this, Hector. It is quite improper to pry into a lady's private life, especially in such a public setting where anyone could overhear." Turning to the still blushing Fjorm, Eliwood offered a sympathetic look. "My sincerest apologies for Hector's uncouth question, Fjorm. I hope we haven't offended you."
"N-no, there's no need to apologize!" The Nifl princess assured as she continued to steady her rapidly beating heart. "In any case, I assure you that there is nothing between Kiran and I. We are not…courting each other." Taking a sip of her tea in attempt to mask her embarrassment, Fjorm missed the shared looks of surprise from each of the three lords at her confession.
"Huh, certainly fooled me," Hector commented with a shrug.
"Not exactly a difficult feat," Lyn snarked with a grin, earning a chuckle from Eliwood and Fjorm as well as an indignant "humph" from Hector.
"Although," Eliwood couldn't help but comment. "It is true that you and Kiran certainly spend a lot of time together. In fact, aside from today, I can scarcely recall a time when I haven't seen you two together!"
"Oh, well," Fjorm began bashfully, not expecting her company to be so fixated on this topic. "You…are correct. But that's because…" Despite herself, Fjorm began to smile as she spoke. "I made a promise to him. I owe so much to him, even my very life." With a look of conviction, Fjorm declared, "So until peace is restored to Askr, I have vowed to remain by his side and be the shield that protects him from all harm!"
Eliwood and Hector stared at the Nifl princess with astonishment, amazed by the boldness with which she spoke. Lyn, however, had an expression of understanding as she nodded.
"Now I see. I completely understand your feelings, Fjorm." A nostalgic smile crossed the plainswoman's face. "Seeing the two of you together and listening to you speak, it reminds me so much of myself and Mark."
"Mark?" Fjorm asked before her eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, you mean the tactician who accompanied you on your exploits in Elibe?"
Eliwood nodded in confirmation. "That's correct. Mark truly was someone special. He was a brilliant mind and a stalwart ally. But above all, he was a loyal friend, someone special to us all." The redheaded lord chuckled. "Though I'm sure Lyn knows that more than anyone in our army. Isn't that right, Lyn?"
"That's right." Lyn nodded as she faced Fjorm. "Just as you pledged yourself to be Kiran's shield, so did I pledge to be Mark's sword during our journey together. The bond we shared…it was special." She then added with a sincere smile, "I have no doubt the same holds true for you and Kiran."
Fjorm blinked in surprise at Lyn's words before smiling in return. "Yes…you're right."
Hector chuckled as he looked between the pair of women. "Heh, if only Mark was here with us, I'm sure he and Kiran would get along just fine! Speaking of…" Hector turned to Fjorm and earnestly asked, "How come Kiran isn't here celebrating with us? Don't tell me he's holed himself up in his study again?"
Fjorm shook her head, a disappointed expression on her face. "No, its not that. I did check his room, but he wasn't there. When I asked Commander Anna where I could find him, she told me that he was already off running and errand."
"Oho, is that so?" Hector asked with a cheeky grin. "Checking his room AND asking the Commander? You really wanted to invite Kiran, huh?"
"Ah, w-well…" Fjorm stuttered, caught off guard by the Ostian lord's teasing. Lyn groaned while Eliwood shot Hector a critical look.
"Come now, Hector! That's quite enough of that!" Eliwood admonished.
While the blue-haired noble guffawed to himself as Eliwood and Lyn continued to scold him, Fjorm once again tried to calm herself down. As she did, she vaguely heard the voice of the young woman that served them earlier in the background.
"Welcome! How may I -oh!" The young woman's tone suddenly changed to a more playful one as she said, "Well, if it isn't our most loyal customer! Back so soon, handsome~?" A faint chuckle could be heard, likely from the person she was addressing.
"Hehe, yep, sure am!"
Instantly, Fjorm's head whipped around in shock upon recognizing that familiar voice. "Kiran?!" She said aloud, loud enough to catch the attention of her three companions.
Sure enough, there was the summoner, albeit dressed in more casual attire and without his trademark white hooded cloak, instead wearing a plain brown cloak. As Kiran approached the counter, all four individuals couldn't help but notice the flirtatious expression the young woman wore as the summoner drew near, especially a certain Nifl princess.
"My my, it hasn't been that long since your last visit. This is the third time this week!" Batting her eyelashes, the young woman giggled. "Any particular reason for that?"
Kiran shrugged as he chuckled. "What can I say? I have a serious sweet tooth, and this place has the best sweets around! Plus, I just like the atmosphere of this place."
The young woman nodded in agreement. "That's right! Although, if you ask me, our baked goods aren't the only things that are sweet here~!" She punctuated her last remark with a sly wink.
Fjorm bristled as she watched this all unfold from her seat. Meanwhile, the three Elibe nobles noticed a sudden chill in the air.
"Anyway, what can I get you today, handsome?" Apparently finished with her teasing, the young woman straightened up and fixed Kiran with an expectant smile. "Your usual order, perhaps?"
Kiran grinned as he nodded. "Am I getting that predictable?" At that, the young woman giggled as she shook her head.
"Nope! I'm just very good at remembering a person's preferences, especially when that person is as charming as you are~!"
At this point, all four nobles were watching the scene intently, but none as intently as Fjorm. As the young woman (finally) left Kiran to prepare his order, the Nifl princess took the time to steady her breathing and recall the subtle chill she had unintentionally introduced to the tavern.
She…shouldn't get so worked up over something like this. The young woman was just talking with Kiran, and it wasn't as if Kiran was responding to her advances. Therefore, Fjorm reasoned to herself, there was no reason she should be acting like this. And yet…
All too soon, the young serving woman returned with a medium-sized pouch presumably filled with the sweets Kiran had requested. With an eager smile, the summoner produced a small bag of gold coins and traded with the young woman, who gratefully accepted the payment. "A pleasure doing business with you, as always!" She chirped happily.
Kiran said his thanks as he checked the contents of the pouch, only for a look of confusion to cross his face. The young woman took notice, though she didn't appear troubled by Kiran's expression. "Hm? Something wrong, sweetie?" She inquired playfully.
Fjorm and the Elibe lords continued to watch curiously as Kiran looked up from the contents of the pouch. "Oh, no, nothing wrong. It's just…" He held the pouch to the young woman. "It, um, looks like you gave me more than what I paid for."
Again, the young woman giggled as she responded coyly, "Oh, did I? Well," she leaned forward with an almost conspiratorial look in her eyes. "You can just consider it a special gift from me~!" Fjorm didn't like where this was going.
Kiran blinked in surprise as he looked from the pouch to the young woman before him. "Really? Are you sure that's ok?" Behind her, Fjorm could hear a combination of stifled chuckles and sighs from her companions at Kiran's hesitancy. Fjorm, however, wasn't quite in the mood to share in their mirth.
The young woman nodded, though her smile subtly shifted from coy to sly as she leaned forward slightly, closer to the summoner. "Of course! Although, if you'd like to…return the favor…" The young woman batted her lashes, her eyes not leaving Kiran's. "Perhaps you'd like to come by later this evening to share a meal? Just the two of us~?"
SKRRT!
"Fjorm…?!" Lyn said with surprise as the princess abruptly stood up from her seat and began making her way towards Kiran. Beside her, Eliwood and Hector looked to each other with concerned expressions, getting ready to stand should things turn…unpleasant.
"Kiran."
The summoner whipped his head at the sound of his name, his eyes going wide in surprise, his mouth curving into a pleasant smile. "Oh, hey Fjorm! I didn't know you were here."
With a small (slightly forced) smile, Fjorm nodded in greeting. "Yes, I was just enjoying some tea with Eliwood, Hector, and Lyn. Would you like to join us?"
"Oh, that sounds- ah!?"
Without waiting for a proper response, Fjorm grabbed Kiran's hand and all but dragged the young man with her back to the table. Behind them, the young serving woman's face was scrunched in a frustrated pout as she watched the pair leave.
As the pair approached the table, Fjorm internally breathed a sigh of relief. However, as she noticed the amused expressions on Eliwood and Lyn's face, as well as the ear-to-ear grin Hector wore, her relief quickly transformed into embarrassment upon realizing the implications of what she just did.
"Ah, Kiran! Good afternoon to you." Eliwood greeted calmly, pretending as if nothing was amiss. "We're pleased to have you join us."
Kiran smiled widely as he waved in return. "Hey, you three! Thanks for letting me crash your little tea party." Pulling up an empty chair, Kiran took a seat at the table, coincidentally right next to Fjorm. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
Hector shook his head, still grinning widely. "Nah, not us. In fact, we were just talking about you!" At that, Fjorm stiffened in her seat, while Lyn and Eliwood gave their friend warning looks of varying intensity. Unperturbed, Hector continued, "Fjorm here was telling us that you were the one who recommended this place. Got to say, you've got some pretty good taste!"
The three other nobles collectively released a breath as Kiran nodded cheerfully and went on to explain how he discovered the tavern and what he usually ordered when visiting. Following that, casual conversation resumed amidst the group of four.
As Fjorm took a sip of her tea, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Glancing to her side, she noticed Kiran smiling at her as he held out a sweet bun. "Hey, Fjorm, want one?" The summoner asked. "As much as I'd like to, I probably shouldn't eat all of these by myself!"
Fjorm blinked before nodding thankfully, gingerly taking the sweet pastry presented to her while suppressing another blush. "Y-yes, thank you, Kiran. I appreciate it!" Immediately taking a bite, Fjorm was pleased by the soft, sweet texture of the treat. "Oh, this is quite good!"
Kiran grinned as he retrieved another bun from the pouch. "I know! Aren't they great? Hey, would any of you three like some? There's plenty to go around!"
With a warm smile, Fjorm watched in admiration as Kiran cheerfully shared his treats with each of the three Elibe nobles, all while gushing about how they fought in their most recent battle and asking to hear about their exploits in their world. As she watched, Fjorm had to agree with the young serving woman on one thing.
The treats that the tavern offered definitely weren't the only sweet things here.
Side note: Blazing Blade is my personal favorite game in the FE franchise, and while it is HIGHLY unlikely to happen, it would absolutely thrill me if Mark could be added to FEH. Just thought I'd put that out there, y'know, in case anyone's listening *cough* IntSys *cough*.