Memoirs of the Holy War

by Naryfiel Lilith

It was a war that spanned across two generations. It was a war that tore Jugdral to pieces. It was a war between those who only did what they thought was right. It was a war manipulated by those who had suffered too much. It was a war filled with tragic mistakes and crippling hope. It was a war immortalized by the survivors, and this is their tale. (FE4 Novelization)

14. Interlude - Wedding

Interlude – Wedding

---

So, I ended up with a guard after all. The very idea is strange. I spent my life hiding in Father Eirik's custody, but now I am protected openly by those who care for me. I can't say I'm unhappy about it, even as I struggle to balance my new life with my habits. But there's no time to focus on it, as a date has finally been set for Sigurd and Deirdre's wedding. Planning is slow and methodical, but already, it makes my head spin. I'm glad I'll never marry, or be involved in planning another marriage. Why would anyone want to go through all this fuss?

---

I'd become accustomed to the sound of practice weapons clacking while I studied. After all, despite Chulainn's expectations, his morning lessons continued. Today his only student was Shannan, which was unusual. He was, of course, the most frequent of Chulainn's students, but not the only. When others learned of Chulainn's (reluctant) willingness to teach, they leapt at the chance. Morning lessons usually consisted of all four of the boys, while in the afternoons, some of the city militia would shyly swing by and ask for tips and advice. Chulainn was bewildered (for him) each time, but no matter his protests, he caved quickly to their earnest enthusiasm. At least, he did for lessons. He still refused to spar anyone; I feared someone (Lex) might ambush him soon in an attempt to force one.

But those were problems for another day. Today, I simply studied while Chulainn taught, enjoying the quiet tranquility. I liked mornings like this. I hoped they continued forever.

"Ah, I see you are still outside, Lady Alicia." Sir Naoise's gentle call heralded his arrival in the training yards. I looked up just as he approached, noticing him staring at Chulainn and Shannan for a split-second before he stopped at my bench and bowed. "Forgive my interruption, my lady, but we have guests," he explained. Chulainn glanced over once, but otherwise remained focused on Shannan. "Lord Eldigan has arrived, along with Lady Lachesis and Lady Grahnye."

"I remember Lady Ethlyn telling me they would be here soon," I murmured, marking my place and closing my book. Planning for the wedding may have already started, but according to her, 'earnest' preparations would wait until Lord Eldigan came, as he was Sigurd's best man. "But who is Lady Grahnye?"

"Lord Eldigan's wife." Oh. No one had mentioned her to me yet. "My understanding is they have brought their son, Lord Ares, as well." Then it seemed Altena would have a playmate.

"Are there any injuries?"

"Not that I am aware of. The path from Nordion to Evans has always been quiet, barring the occasional Ellidiot." It took me a long second to realize the name; he said it with his usual tone. "Sorry, he's the son of one of Agustria's dukes, and his bravado far outstrips both his sense and skill. He made an attempt on Evans while we were dealing with Genoa, but Lord Eldigan stopped him." Truly? I hadn't heard anything about it until now. "He also pursues Lady Lachesis with an entitled fervor bordering on obsession, so not a one of us likes him or bothers to use his proper name after Prince Quan dubbed him 'Ellidiot'."

"I see." Well, I couldn't exactly fault them. "If there are no injuries, then why tell me?"

"Ah, I'm certain Lord Sigurd would want you to greet them."

"You said something similar before." I could only frown. "Please tell me it didn't have to do with those ridiculous rumors."

"Which ridiculous rumors? Gossip tends to have dozens upon dozens." He grinned, and I had to concede the point. "Given the context... no, it was not because I thought my lord was romantically interested in you. It is because I knew he'd want them to meet you, as a reassurance. Lord Eldigan and Lady Lachesis both fret terribly, and Chalphy isn't known for healers. Knowing a skilled healer like yourself was helping us would ease their worries significantly." Ah, this made much more sense. "Today is similar. Lady Deirdre is most relaxed when both you and Lord Sigurd are near, and I know she is very nervous about meeting them. My lord also values and trusts you greatly, so while he won't say anything, I know he hopes you will get along with them. Thus, coming to greet them."

"I believe I should simply take your word for it." I pushed myself up and smoothed out my skirts. "Chulainn, I'm heading to greet our guests. Sir Naoise can escort me if..." Even as I tried to make the offer, Chulainn was already wrapping up the lesson. "Oh, I'm sorry, Shannan."

"Huh? Why? Chulainn always protects you," Shannan replied, smiling brightly. Chulainn silently passed him a towel and some water. "Who are the guests anyway? The ones we're expecting from Nordion?"

"Yes."

"Then I want to come anyway! I want to meet them!" He immediately gave me his most pleading look and I crumbled easily. This was not good; I needed to build a resistance!

"If you're going to meet them, then you had better change out of those sweaty clothes first." I smiled apologetically at Sir Naoise; he just fought back laughter. "Let's go to your room, all right?"

You'd think Shannan was competing in the 'change clothes fastest' competition with how quickly he switched. He actually managed to put his shirt and pants on backwards, and I had to help him fix both while Chulainn helped him wash his face. Sir Naoise waited patiently, choking back laughter the whole time, and escorted us to the main hall once we were ready. I had to admit; I was surprised to see only Deirdre standing there when we arrived. Had we missed them or...?

"Alicia!" Deirdre all-but-flew to my side as soon as she saw me, wrapping her arms around mine. Chulainn actually had to move out of the way to keep from being run over, and I had to brace myself so I would not fall into Shannan. "Oh, thank goodness..." she mumbled, clinging hard enough to bruise. Sir Naoise retreated silently, with a slight, smug smile. He'd guessed this was exactly what would happen. "Sigurd met them in the courtyard and they're coming in and I know I need to meet them and I know Ethlyn thinks everything will be fine, but still...!"

"Deirdre, take a breath," I urged, keeping calm and making sure to smile reassuringly. She obeyed, and hid her face in my shoulder. "We're right here. See? Even Shannan came to support you."

"Hmm?" She looked down, and Shannan peeked out from behind my skirts to grin. "Oh, hello! Were you having a lesson?"

"I was, but I'm curious about them as well," Shannan explained, shyly stepping around me so he could take her hand. Deirdre relaxed further, even if her smile remained nervous. "Anyway, Alicia's right. There's no need to worry. if they're mean, we'll just have Dew prank them."

"Shannan!" Deirdre gasped, bursting into laughter. I looked around the room curiously, and saw Sigurd walk in with Lord Eldigan, Lady Lachesis, and a third woman with brown hair who carried a baby against her shoulder. All four stopped at the laughter, with Sigurd smiling indulgently and the other three staring in surprise. "You shouldn't do that!"

"It's a precaution! You should always have them. That's what Chulainn says."

"I don't think he meant it like that."

"Having a plan of attack in a worse-case-scenario is something I've been teaching him, so he's not wrong," Chulainn argued, his expression mostly stoic. His slight smile, however, was distinctly boyish. "Pranks are also a time-honored combat strategy." He nodded to the entrance; Deirdre turned and immediately blanched. "By the way, they're here."

"So, go on, go on," I encouraged, nudging Deirdre when she stiffened. She hadn't noticed the four entering. "Shannan, you'll stay with her, won't you?" Shannan nodded, taking the request very seriously, and smiled up at Deirdre. "Chulainn and I will wait here, so if they make you uncomfortable, just signal us. We'll come rescue you." Deirdre still hesitated, but she nodded to herself and walked over, clutching Shannan's hand. I watched until Sigurd greeted her before turning to Chulainn with an arched brow. "Pranks are a combat strategy?"

"Pranks can be a combination of sabotage and psychological warfare, if done correctly and with precision." If anyone else had told me this, I would think they were being ridiculous. I was still tempted with him. "Never underestimate the value of minor accidents wearing down a tired force or minor scandals piling up to crush a reputation. It's easy to turn one small incident into a noose to strangle your enemies."

"I take it you have experience?"

"That is more effort than I'm willing to give unless specifically ordered."

"I thought you said it was easy?"

"Easy does not mean effortless."

"So, you have done it in the past. How else would you know it is more effort than you like to put in?"

"I'll leave that to your imagination." Well, now I was certain he'd done it before. "So, that is the famous Lionheart of Agustria, huh?" With the least subtle of all subject changes, Chulainn crossed his arms and leaned back against one of the pillars to observe the group. It looked like Deirdre was mostly relaxed, but I saw how she kept a tight grip on Shannan's hand, and how sharply Lady Lachesis scrutinized her. "I wonder if the gossips are babbling about his supposedly broken heart."

"What do you mean?"

"Per the gossips, he and Sigurd have been in a relationship for the better part of five years." He said it nonchalantly, and I could only shake my head. "There were whispers before then, of course. Eldigan was noted for being stand-offish and even cold until he went to Belhalla's academy." Glancing at the group now and seeing how warmly Lord Eldigan smiled at Deirdre, it was hard to imagine anyone describing him as 'cold'. "Gossip started treating it as fact following his stepmother's death, when Sigurd notoriously rode through the night, in the rain, to be at his side. In the year he stayed in Nordion, he was never far from Eldigan's side, and Eldigan was very open on how much he appreciated Sigurd's presence." I supposed Sigurd's infamous 'not close to many women' tendencies did not help the impression. "Many were surprised when Eldigan married Grahnye, but they were able to justify it easily. Wouldn't be the first time a noble married someone besides their paramor for the sake of an heir, and his marriage secured quite a lot of trade for Nordion."

"Does all gossip focus so much on romance?" I did remember sitting in the town squares in Evans and Genoa and hearing how surprisingly well-versed people seemed to be about their neighbors' sex lives.

"Not all, but people like speculating about the private lives of public figures. Gives them something to be scandalized by, and the cleaner the reputation, the more convinced people become that there's something hiding in the shadows." He shrugged, unbothered. "The clever ones manipulate things so there's just enough dirt in their reputation to keep people from theorizing."

"I will... take your word on it." Gossip had always bored me, but the way he spoke of it, you'd think it a weapon as deadly as a blade. "Now, what did you mean by 'secured a lot of trade'?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"You clearly know more than me, of course." I smiled at him, and he actually rolled his eyes. "So?"

"Fine, fine..." He sighed, and I muffled a laugh. "Grahnye is the daughter of a prominent noble of Leonster, Duke Cormac. Their marriage was part of a trade negotiation. I think."

"You think?"

"It's not as if I'd spoken to anyone involved. It's only one of several possibilities per the gossips, though it is the one I find the most likely. Probably why it's not the most popular."

"Which one is that?"

"To keep Lachesis from trying to seduce her brother, of course." He said the words as bluntly as he did everything else, and I actually had to muffle a yelp. I couldn't remember the last time I'd yelped, but there was no other reaction! I caught Sigurd glancing at us worriedly, but I waved it off. I wasn't explaining this to him! "People love to talk about a beautiful young noblewoman who notoriously refused a suitor by declaring she would not marry a man of lesser caliber than her brother."

"Shouldn't..." Oh, goodness, this was... I think he was doing his best to make me regret asking! "Doesn't that mean she has very particular standards?"

"Again, people love a good scandal, and there is a fascinating taboo in incest."

"You're incorrigible." I might have said more, but I noticed one of the group heading for me, the lady with brown hair and carrying a blonde-haired baby. So, I did my best to calm my heart and smiled when she was close enough. "Hello."

"Good morning," she greeted in return, with her own smile. She had a kind smile. That was the first thing I noticed. The second thing I noticed was how quiet the baby in her arms was. Altena would have been reaching for anything and everything, but her baby simply looked around with curious golden eyes. "You must be Lady Alicia. I am Grahnye, the Duchess of Nordion, and this little one is Ares."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Grahnye," I replied, wondering just why she'd come over. A quick look showed Lord Eldigan was keeping an eye on us, but otherwise, the group continued chatting and laughing. I was relieved to see Lady Lachesis did not look quite so sharp. "Is something wrong? I cannot imagine why else you would slip away."

"Oh? You do not think I grew curious about our watchers?" Her smile became a touch mischievous, and I could only tilt my head. I didn't think there was anything interesting about me. "But no, I came over here after confirming you were the main healer." So, something was wrong, then. "It is... well..." She absently ran her fingers through Ares's hair, and Ares twisted to smile at her. "There is nothing currently wrong, but this does have to deal with my health..."

"Oh?" I glanced at Chulainn in a silent request, and he nodded and stepped away, far enough where he could pretend to not hear. "My apologies. I believe a person's medical history should only be disclosed to those they choose."

"I see. Thank you." She smiled sweetly, laughing softly. Ares reached up to pat her throat like he could somehow grab the sound. "No wonder Sigurd truly trusts you, Lady Alicia." This was the second time today someone brought up how much Sigurd trusted me, but the weight she put on 'truly' made me wonder if there was something particularly noteworthy about it. "As for my health, it deals with my heart."

"Your heart?"

"Yes…" Her smile became a little bitter. "I was born with a defective heart." My mind immediately latched onto all the ones I'd read about, each worse than the last. "It was fine when I was a child, but became worse as I grew older. Carrying and giving birth to Ares, unfortunately, worsened it further." Yes, pregnancy put a great strain on the heart. Mistress Yesui had told me heart conditions generally would worsen, and sometimes, she had to advise them to terminate the pregnancy for their own health. But Lady Grahnye, as the wife of Lord Eldigan, would not have had that option. "I… the doctors at Leonster described it as my heart doesn't have enough valves for a major-"

"Bicuspid aortic valve?" That was the first one I thought of, especially since I'd read it wasn't an uncommon heart defect.

"I… yes!" Her smile became a little relieved. Did she fear I wouldn't know what she was talking about or was she grateful I had guessed so quickly? "Yes, that is what they called it. Ares thankfully didn't inherit it, but I wanted to warn you in case…" It was easy to fill in. It was only discovered in the last century or so, thanks to the crusader Bragi spearheading research into anatomy and compiling medical knowledge which otherwise may have been lost with the Empire's fall, but the human heart had valves which kept blood flowing the 'right way' through the body. The aortic valve was supposed to have three flaps, but some were born with two, which could… wait, now wasn't the time to be thinking of my lessons!

"I understand." I made sure to smile reassuringly. "Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you."

"I'm fine for now. It won't kill me yet. But I have always been warned complications can come on suddenly." Yes, her heart had to work harder to keep her healthy. But everything gave out eventually. Early intervention and surgery could help, but… "So, I wanted to warn you."

"I'm glad, since if something does happen, I will have a better idea of where to start." I glanced at the others, noting they were still deep in their lively conversation. "Now, just to confirm, you are all right?"

"Yes, I would not have ridden here otherwise. I would've taken a carriage."

"Then may I check you over now, so I know what your 'normal' is?"

Lady Grahnye graciously agreed, and that was how the three/four of us ended up in my workshop. Chulainn took his usual post against the wall, and Lady Grahnye had Ares sit on the table while I examined her. Once again, I had to marvel at how quiet and calm he was. Altena couldn't be trusted to sit still for even a half of a second, always crawling and reaching and exploring. Ares, meanwhile, was perfectly still on the table, looking this way and that but only observing. Lady Grahnye didn't seem to think it was unusual behavior for him, because she focused on me during the entire examination, answering my questions easily. Once I finished, I wrote down some notes about her health, with the intent of researching her condition so I could see how 'typical' her health was. While I was writing, Ares finally acted like Altena and reached out to try and grab my pen. I set it down and picked him up to move him away, but he squirmed, so I had to adjust my grip to hold him closer and more securely. Even then, I wasn't sure I was holding him correctly, but I didn't have time to worry. Ares, after all, immediately grabbed a lock of my hair, and refused to let go.

"Is this something I should expect from Majors or babies?" I found myself asking as soon as I realized what happened. Thankfully, Ares wasn't inclined to wave his arms as Altena was. He just held it, firmly, and I wondered if I would be able to break his grip. Yes, he was a baby, but he was likely the Hodr Major of his generation. How early did their fable strength awaken? "What makes my hair so fascinating?" This was the third child Major to grab my hair, and the third baby.

"Well, it is quite pretty," Lady Grahnye replied, barely biting back her laugh. She then reached over to gently tap Ares's hand twice. To my surprise, he let go immediately, and his curious and quiet gaze focused on my face instead. "I should've expected he'd try to grab." He certainly did reach out again, for my eyes instead of my hair. I stiffened instinctively, but Lady Grahnye intercepted his hand before he touched my face. "He's always grabbing the roses in the gardens and you are the Red Rose Healer."

"Pardon?" I focused on her, and didn't think to move away when Ares reached out once more. But this time, he only used his hands as leverage, so he could hide his face in my neck, and my hair. "What was that?"

"Hmm? Have you not heard? It's the most common epithet the bards have for you, no doubt because of your coloring." I… I suppose red hair with green eyes did conjure the image of a rose? "The Red Rose of Sigurd's army, who tends to all who cross her path." She chuckled as she extracted Ares from me. Ares actually looked sulky about it. "My, it's rare he takes so quickly to a stranger. Watch out; I may ask you to babysit."

"I can think of many more trustworthy people for the honor." I may know more about babies now thanks to Mistress Yesui, but I remained awkward with them. I just knew so little about their health! "Besides, I have a feeling Lady Ethlyn will want him to bond with Altena."

"Oh, that's my hope. I don't want him to have as lonely of a childhood as Eldigan did." Lonely? I had to admit; I almost asked.

"I heard my name." However, Lord Eldigan poked his head into my workshop then, looking around curiously. "Should I be worried?" he joked, his eyes falling on the bookshelf in the corner. Sir Arden had gotten it for me, so I could find my books more easily. "Ah, that's right. Sigurd asked for medical books, but they're still in my packs. I'll give them to you tomorrow, Lady Alicia."

"Ah, thank you very much!" I replied, doing my best to keep calm. I knew I failed. The idea of learning what was 'typical' for Nordion, and Agustria, was much too exciting, and I had fallen into dreadful habits about reining in my feelings. "And I hope we did not worry you. I wanted to know Lady Grahnye's 'normal'."

"That's what Deirdre said, when I noticed your absence." Deirdre knew me well. "Still, a certain someone should probably rest after the long journey."

"Eldigan, I am just fine," Lady Grahnye sighed, shaking her head with fond exasperation. I assumed it was fond, at least, because of how warm her smile was. "I think if anything was wrong, she would've found it."

"Who said I was talking about you?" Lord Eldigan replied playfully. He offered her his arm, and she took it with envious grace, especially since she kept a hold of Ares while she did. Ares twisted to smile happily at his father. "I was thinking Ares."

"Of course you were."

The two continued 'bickering' as they left, and I sat down at my table once they turned the corner, intending to review my notes. However, I couldn't help but remember what Lady Grahnye had said and sighed. "So, they compare me to a red rose?" I whispered, somewhere between irritated and exasperated. What use were 'epithets'? They seemed so... worthless. "How ridiculous..." Thinking of how she'd learned, I glanced back at Chulainn, since he paid attention to gossip. His expression was, as it ever was, locked in irritable stoicism. I needed another phrase for it, with how often I saw it. "Let me guess; the bards usually don't include the 'army' part of her description."

"Sigurd's red rose, alongside his silver izelle, Deirdre," Chulainn confirmed without the slightest hesitation. I decided I was more irritated at this point, but it wasn't a comforting realization. I couldn't do anything about it, after all. "I imagine they chose an 'izelle' for her because it only grows in the Velthomer region, and thus, ties into the most popular interpretation of you three."

"So, they sing of how Sigurd beds two beautiful flowers. You know; I would imagine flowers and petals in a bed would leave terrible stains." I said the words absently, barely thinking about them, and Chulainn ducked his head to hide his immediate, if slight, smile. It was the closest he'd come to laughter since we met. "I cannot say the idea of having petals for hair appeals either." I smiled at him, deciding I should try being playful. "What do you think?"

"About?"

"Does my hair resemble a red rose?"

"Your hair?" He studied me for a long moment, and it was impossible to tell if he was taking the question seriously or simply seeing through me again. "If I personally had to pick something, I'd probably go with a cardinal." So, I could have a head full of feathers instead of petals? I couldn't say the thought appealed any better. "What do you see?"

"Hmm?"

"Given your surprise, I would guess you associate your hair color with something else entirely." …He was definitely seeing through me again, spotting something he wanted to know more about, despite how everyone else would miss it. "So?"

"Shannan thought it was like fire, once."

"Fire doesn't usually burn so dark a red." He held my gaze, refusing to yield. "But I did not ask what he thought. I asked what you did."

"..." I stared back at him for a long moment, but ended up looking away. Maybe I wasn't the most stubborn in the army. "Blood."

"Blood?"

"My hair color has always reminded me of blood." Strangely, though, I couldn't say the same for Arvis or Azelle. Their hair color was only 'crimson' in my head. But mine, especially when I was younger, I could only think of as 'blood'. "It's not a bad thing. Blood is proof of life." Besides, it tied me to my brothers and differentiated me from my mother. I couldn't hate it. I never hated it. I just… didn't like it either. Blood was common, and seen everywhere. Why did anyone think it was pretty?

Chulainn stared through me still, and I wondered just what he was thinking. Then, without warning, he reached out and wrapped a lock of my hair around his finger. "I can't say I think the same. The color is similar, perhaps, but blood is stickier, in both looks and feel." He smiled faintly, a trace of boyishness to it. "Your hair is as soft as a petal, though, so maybe that is a more accurate description than a cardinal." He let go, and I was left staring, even as he looked to the door. "You've a guest."

Before I had time to process things, Dew swung in, ready to help with today's tasks. I had to very quickly focus on him, and try to push his words out of my mind. As for Chulainn, he just watched with his usual stoicism, and some part of me felt frustrated by it. It was… hard to explain why, so I chose to ignore it. I was better this way.

---

A few days after the Nordions arrived, Deirdre and I headed to the market, with Chulainn as our guard. Officially, it was for Deirdre to look at jewelry for her wedding. In truth, it was to get her out of the palace for a little bit because all the planning was making both of our heads spin, and Deirdre really needed to complain a little.

"Lady Lachesis is beautiful, but she stares so much," Deirdre whined, half-leaning against me. We were taking the very long and meandering way through the markets, and Deirdre seized the chance to at least appear lazy. "I try to call out, but I barely even lay eyes on her before she disappears. She must hate me."

"I think if she hated you, she'd tell you to your face," I tried to reassure, patting her head. Though, I had to admit to wondering the same. I would've thought she'd try to have a conversation with me after helping in the infirmary when we were last here, but she'd taken up her hiding and staring around me as well. Did she question my skills so much? "She doesn't seem the type to pay one thought to those she dislikes."

"But…"

"Just try to ignore her poor spying?" It was the same advice I gave Chulainn the other day, and based on her frown, I had a feeling she liked it as little as Chulainn had. "That is what I did before, at least. She's not that bad at it?"

"If she's going to spy, she should at least do it properly," Chulainn said, with a trace amount of irritation threading through the words. Ultimately, I think that was what he was most annoyed by. "I've seen toddlers who are better."

"Now, now, it's not like she's causing harm?" I placated, smiling a little hesitantly. Chulainn's expression was completely blank, and Deirdre just sighed. "Regardless, we are outside, fulfilling Sigurd's request to leave my workshop, and I say we should think of something fun, especially since we're getting some odd looks."

"The odd looks are due to the-"

"We're discussing fun things, not what people gossip."

"What are they gossiping about?" Deirdre asked, genuinely curious. She paid even less attention to gossip than I did. "Is it… bad?"

"I think it more annoying, and ridiculous," I answered, noticing a few whispering as we passed. I was tempted to frown at them. "That's all."

"So, they're still talking about you and Sigurd?" She muffled a giggle, and I spared a thought to be thankful she didn't know what they were saying about all three of us. "Don't you usually laugh it off?"

"I might, if I were not walking with my very best friend, and his fiance."

"Why would I mind? I know the truth now. If anything, I'm more annoyed they think either of you would hurt or betray me like that." She frowned then, turning towards some of the more blatant starers. "In fact…"

"No, no, we're not arguing with the people today!" I seized her arm and tugged her along through the market. "We are speaking of fun things, and figuring out how we're going to add evidence to our excuse."

"If you insist…" She actually sulked, and I spared a pleading look to Chulainn, hoping for help. For some reason, though, he was completely focused on the surrounding crowd. Was something wrong? "Evidence, evidence… hey, can we get something for the babies?"

"We can, but we still need something for our story. I don't think they'll accept us being distracted, even if you adore Altena and Ares."

"They're just so cute!" She sighed happily. "Altena's always wandering about and getting into things and she babbles so sweetly, while Ares watches everything curiously. At least until Sigurd is around!" I had not personally witnessed it, but from what I'd heard, Ares was very, very fond of Sigurd. "Grahnye said he likes you too, so he clearly is a good judge of character."

"None of this changes our current circumstances, you know."

"And you evade my compliments again." She pouted, and I could only smile. "So, proper evidence… oh, well, maybe…" She turned thoughtful, and a little hesitant. "I've been meaning to bring this up, but if it's possible, I'd like a matching accessory with you, Alicia."

"Oh?"

"You see; in the Spirit Forest, the bride and maid of honor would wear something matching, since they're best friends." Her smile was shy, and awkward. "It looks like it's a custom there only, since no one has brought it up, and I'm sure it's troublesome, but…"

"But it's what you want, so we should figure out something." The main problem was, of course, it would have to be something which suited us both, and we had very different colorings.

"Go with something blue," Chulainn surprisingly offered. I didn't know what was more surprising: the suggestion or the fact he gave it without prompting. "That's part of an old wedding saying in Agustria, to protect the new couple and invite happiness. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."

"And blue will look so pretty on Alicia!" Deirdre giggled, clapping her hands together in delight. The accompanying smile was near blinding. "Something old, something new..."

"The 'new' will be easiest. Everything you wear will be 'new', will it not?" This was very true. The hardest part, truthfully, might be the 'something old' part. I had no doubts someone would be willing to lend Deirdre something. "As for the borrowed, I believe the tradition is to borrow something from someone happily married." Then all we would need to do is mention it to Lady Ethlyn. "But you can incorporate the blue for the shared accessory. From what I've seen, Alicia is wearing a lot of blue anyway that day." Yes, I was. Lady Ethlyn insisted. "So, you said the custom comes from your home?"

"In my village deep in the Spirit Forest, yes." She smiled shyly, half-hiding behind me. This was made all the weirder because this was the first proper conversation the two'd had. Chulainn usually remained silent when she and I interacted. "I haven't seen many weddings, so..."

"Right, you were isolated." Chulainn glanced to the side for some reason. I did the same, wondering what was wrong, and it was only then I realized we were surrounded by quite the crowd. The markets were busier than usual, and while deep in our conversation, neither Deirdre nor I had noticed. "How did you even meet Sigurd anyway?"

"Huh? Oh..." Deirdre blushed prettily. I, however, frowned. "I had... well, I snuck out of the village. I wasn't allowed to leave, but I loved watching people. They're so bright and colorful, most of the time. At one point, though, I was…" She flinched at the memory. "I was being harrassed by someone. I tried to escape, but they grabbed my arm hard, so I couldn't."

"At which point Sigurd appeared?"

"Yes..." Her brilliant smile paired with her blush really emphasized how pretty she was. Still, I remained tense, wondering why he was even asking. He knew most of this already. So, I looked around for some convenient distraction to change the topic, and lessen the chances of Deirdre letting something slip, but that was when I noticed something peculiar. "He and Alicia were out with Shannan, one of their daily walks to help him recover and give him a change of pace while he was on bedrest, but they both came to my aid as soon as they saw me. Sigurd dealt with the ruffian, and Alicia led me somewhere safe and checked me for injuries." Here we were, in the middle of a large crowd, and those nearby were blatantly listening. Yet unlike before, where they stared and whispered, they listened intently. Some nodded to themselves, and others even looked at Deirdre with sympathy. "They really are the nicest!."

"I see." Chulainn smiled faintly, but I saw he... he was not looking at Deirdre. He was looking at the crowd, assessing their reactions. "So, a love at first sight sort of thing." Deirdre immediately blushed a very, very dark red. "Huh. No wonder Alicia loves teasing you."

"Isn't it fun?" I joked, making myself smile. The crowd murmured around us, cheerful and light. No longer did they stare at us. They now chattered amongst themselves. "However, in the interest of somehow keeping things on track, how about matching hair accessories, Deirdre? You'll only wear the veil during the ceremony itself, yes?"

"Right, and then I get to keep it among my most prized possessions," Deirdre confirmed, beaming despite her terribly dark blush. I was a little worried she might faint with how red she was. "Thus, I get to hold onto your well-wishes forever! I'll need to figure out the best way to preserve it. I wouldn't want it to stain or unravel."

"I can always just fix it. The well-wishes won't fade, you know."

"It's still better to take care of it!"

Deirdre and I continued to banter as we wandered, looking around for anything which caught our eye. Eventually, we passed by a shop showcasing some beautiful hair accessories in their windows, and Deirdre stepped inside to make inquiries about a possible commission. I lingered back in the doorway with Chulainn, watching their conversation to judge when both were too distracted to pay attention to their surroundings. Only then did I turn to Chulainn with the smallest of frowns. He looked back, impassive and stoic as ever.

"While we were talking, you kept your eye on the crowd," I whispered. "I thought at first there was a threat, but instead, you asked those questions. Why?"

"She's an enigma, and thus, invites rumors upon rumors," Chulainn answered easily. I could only frown more. "This is not helped by the wild stories Verdane tells of the Spirit Forest and the denizens within." I... this was no doubt true, yet... "But give people a story, a truth, and they run with it. No longer is she some half-spirit creature who lives in between. She is a young woman who was isolated, yet curious. A young woman who longed for freedom and snuck away. A young woman who was accosted and suffered unwanted attention. A young woman who was saved by a knight, and fell in love with his kindness. It's a story gossips love."

So, he had asked to change their perception of Deirdre? "Why do so?"

"The wedding is close, and given how unknown she is, there will be no end to those who wish to tear down her reputation and spoil what should be a happy day. After all, she marries a highly regarded, and high ranked, lord. One who was notorious for his complete disinterest in any and all romance. There's already rumors of her putting a spell on Sigurd." The very idea was nonsense. There wasn't a spell for that anyway. "Now, however, there's another story. One of a sweet young woman who grew up alone and found love and happiness by seizing control of her own fate. That story is backed by eye-witnesses and her own actions, giving it more weight. Thus, those who start or spread the false rumors will come across as petty or ignorant, increasing the chances of them withering on the vine instead of passing through and bearing fruit."

"While all of that does answer my original 'why' question, I fear it also births a new 'why'." Namely, why would he try?

"If she is attacked as a witch, which is a possibility given how little of her background is known, then you would be in danger. Knowing you, you'd shield her as best as you could and be terribly injured in the process." He shrugged. "And, well, she is a kind young woman. Even I can get irritated."

"Of course you can. You always look it." So, it was both personal and as an extension of his duties? That seemed a little... "It sounds complicated to me, truthfully."

"And your medicines and textbooks make my head spin." I suppose he had a point. "Stick to what you do best and I'll do the same. Besides..." His voice dropped to a whisper, and a knowing light came into his eyes. "She has a secret you want to keep quiet." ...I would not react. I would not. I knew how to be calm in any situation. Even if my mind whirled on wondering how he had guessed, and who else might have done the same, I would remain calm. "Sate people's hunger with precious crumbs of information, and they don't dive in to gorge."

"And are you not curious yourself?" I was proud of how even my voice was. It was even light, like I was merely joking. "Do you not wonder about these supposed secrets?"

"Everyone has their secrets. Everyone has things they'd rather keep firmly in the dark." Something hard and cold settled in his expression. "So, no, not especially."

"I see." I had to look away then. "Um... I apologize if I insulted you."

"Huh?" Well, he was surprised. Did he not realize how he'd looked? "You didn't?"

"Good." If he didn't realize, then maybe it was better to not bring it up. "I suppose, then, I should thank you, for doing what you could to protect my best friend."

"I did it for my own reasons, so there is no need for thanks."

"I can still be grateful. It sounded like a lot of effort."

"I've told you before, but these sorts of things are easy."

"But were you not the one who reminded me 'easy' does not mean 'effortless'?" He also said this sort of thing was more effort than he usually put into a job.

"That's tearing down a respectable reputation. Boosting a good reputation is a trifle, and she does have a good one. It just needed reinforcement."

"That doesn't negate my statement."

"It wasn't a lot of effort."

"So, it was only some. I still should thank you for it."

"I'm back!" Deirdre thankfully returned before Chulainn could retort, meaning I won the mini-argument. It was silly how gleeful that made me, particularly since he looked a little grumpy. "Is… everything all right?" she asked, looking between us. I'm sure we looked like quite a pair, with me barely fighting back giggles and Chulainn scowling. "Um…"

"Everything is fine, Deirdre," I answered, since I was definitely not explaining. I didn't even know how to explain. "So, are we finished here?"

"Yes, she'll make them for us!" Deirdre's smile was bright. "Though I'm not telling what it is~! It'll be a surprise for you!"

"Oh?" I was a little worried, truthfully, but I shrugged it off. After all, if it was her, I'd love it no matter what. "Well, the commission should serve as enough evidence, so shall we find something for Altena and Ares?"

"Yes!"

We spent the better part of the next couple of hours hunting for gifts not only for the babies, but for practically everyone. Thankfully, no one minded?

---

Sometimes, Shannan didn't make it to morning lessons with Chulainn. It was rare, and usually because someone told him to rest or Deirdre asked for help. It was always a bit of a shame, since Shannan blossomed under Chulainn's tutelage, but he always returned the next day eager to learn more. And it wasn't as if Chulainn's other students didn't benefit from the extra attention.

"Finn, you need to guard your legs more." Though, I was not certain if Finn and Lord Oifeye would say it was a 'benefit', since Chulainn was more hands-on when it came to their lessons. For someone who claimed he didn't spar, he certainly had no qualms about fighting the two to prove his points. "Anyone attacking you will aim for your horse since they're the bigger target and that means your legs are more likely to get hit. And focus on your whole surroundings. Keep your eyes on the skies too much, and it'll be the ground that swallows you up." He managed two brutal, by my eye, hits to Finn's legs and slipped around to land a third on Lord Oifeye's shoulder. "You spend too much time thinking, Oifeye. You don't have time for elaborate strategies during battles. Quick tricks are all you need. Save the fancy stuff for the war room and focus more on anticipating your opponent's attacks."

I would fully admit I didn't actually 'study' much the days Shannan was not at morning lessons. I spent more time watching worriedly than I did reading, simply because of how much harder Chulainn went after Finn and Oifeye.

"Chulainn, let them get some water," I called out eventually, my worries overriding my faith in everyone's abilities. Chulainn glanced over at me in acknowledgement and winded the lesson down so the two could stumble over to my bench and guzzle some water. "Don't drink so quickly! You'll make yourselves sick!" I picked up towels and dropped them on their heads, patting the worst of the sweat off Lord Oifeye before switching to Finn. "Easy, easy..."

"Take a walk to cool down, you two," Chulainn ordered, joining us. He was barely sweating, and didn't seem out of breath at all. I handed him water anyway. "Any more, and I think Alicia might scold me."

"Worse, I'll give you my worst tasting medicines." I smiled at the boys, and nudged them off. "Still, you'd better listen and walk." Both of them listened, as they always did, already talking quietly about the lessons and other strategies. I was glad to see their spirits remained high since neither of them could walk straight. "Chulainn..."

"They both learn quickly." He sipped the water and I offered him a towel. "That's a good thing. Finn already fights on the battlefield, and Oifeye will be of age soon."

"Is that why you're so much harder on them?"

"They have less time to learn." So, that was a 'yes'. "Less time to knock the bad habits out of them."

"I suppose that's why you're more 'in between' for Dew?" He wasn't nearly as hands-on as he was with Finn and Lord Oifeye, but he wasn't as slow as he was with Shannan.

"Dew only needs to learn enough for him to run away. He'll never be fighting on the front lines. But the other three are more likely to be in situations where they have to fight to the death." He turned slightly so he could keep an eye on the boys as they walked. "Doesn't help they still have the youthful stubbornness that comes from never hitting your body's hard limits."

"If they pass out during one of these lessons, I will be mad at you." Shaking my head, I sat back down on the bench and attempted to return to my studying. However, when I did, I noticed Sir Alec walking over. Why was he here? "Oh, hello there."

"Good morning, everyone~!" Sir Alec greeted cheerfully. He had a definite skip in his step, for some reason. "Lady Alicia, you are looking as lovely as ever."

"Do I have to examine you for a head injury again?" I asked, fighting back a sigh. It had been a while since he spoke so frivolously with me. "What brings you out here?"

"Must I have a reason?" No, but I knew Sir Alec well enough to know he would not seek me out for entertainment. "Well, I do have one. Lord Sigurd wishes to see you in his office." He did? Was there something he forgot to say during our morning meeting? "And your trusty guard, of course. Though, Chulainn, since she'll obviously be perfectly safe with Sigurd, would you like to head out and have a drink instead?"

"No," Chulainn refused, quick and no-nonsense. It was even a little curt, which was unlike him. Blunt as he usually was, he always spoke politely. "I'm on duty."

"Denied yet again," Sir Alec bemoaned, shaking his head. "What a shame my charms don't work on you."

"You are, very much, not my type."

"And, what is your type?" Sir Alec grinned, but Chulainn... he looked uncomfortable. "Just out of curiosity." So, I...

"His type has whiskers, soft fur, and makes adorable meows," I 'answered', marking my place in my book and closing it with a louder 'thwump' than necessary. Chulainn glanced at me, and I was certain I saw 'relief' in his eyes. "Wait, it's not only cats. I've found you with dogs, squirrels, rabbits, birds..."

"Wasn't the bird your brother's personal falcon?" Chulainn 'asked', tone perfectly dry. Still, he wasn't wrong; Arvis had heard from Sigurd I had a guard, and had immediately written to all-but-interrogate me about him. I'd written back how I felt perfectly safe, and that was all he needed to know for now. "Wait, you said he was 'one' of them."

"Arvis keeps many." I stood up and dusted off my skirts. Right around then, Finn and Lord Oifeye finished their lap and slowed to a stop near us. "Ah, boys, Sigurd asked for Chulainn and me. Will you two be alright?"

"We... should be, Lady Alicia," Lord Oifeye answered, his eyes darting between the three of us. It didn't take long at all for him to focus on Sir Alec, with a very distinct frown. "I think we still have the bruise balm you made us from before."

"Though I, at least, will need more soon," Finn added, his smile adorably sheepish. He rather pointedly ignored Sir Alec, and I wondered if the two of them could sense Chulainn's discomfort. "Actually, can we learn how to make it?"

"Oh, yeah, that might be good."

"We'll incorporate it into our next lesson, once we finish with the current," I agreed, smiling warmly. I was so glad they still liked the lessons. "There's a few different ones, so you can experiment and decide what works best for you. For now..." I looked up at Chulainn and he nodded. "We'll head off. Sir Alec, can you make sure they make it to their rooms for baths and rest? They're both notorious for diving straight into studying after their lessons."

Both Finn and Lord Oifeye protested the need for a babysitter, despite how neither of them could look me in the eye when claiming they'd behave. Sir Alec laughed at them both and nudged them into the castle, teasing them all the while. Chulainn and I went the opposite way, taking a long and leisurely route to Sigurd's office to give Chulainn some time to recover from the lesson and the conversation. It was, admittedly, more of the latter than the former, but the former was a good enough excuse.

When we reached the hallway leading to Sigurd's office, Chulainn suddenly whispered, "thank you." His voice was terribly soft; despite being right next to him, I barely heard the words. "It is wearying to refuse so many times."

"I was right; you were uncomfortable," I replied, talking just as softly. I even stepped a little closer so he could hear me better. "I'll let Sigurd know, so he can make him stop."

"It won't work; he'll ignore it." He said it casually, and shook his head when I frowned. "Alec does not ask to be social. He asks because he wishes to pry answers out of me, under the pretense of a friendly drink. It is his duty to find information for his lord, even against his lord's own wishes."

"You'd think he'd be too busy." I knew Sir Alec was researching the warehouses for Dietrich. At the moment, he was reviewing previous reports to see if there was anything which had been dismissed before, but was now suspicious. "I will phrase it differently, but I will still tell him. If nothing else, it may lead him to back off and give you a break."

"Perhaps." He didn't sound hopeful about it. "Maybe I should accept one day and drink him under the table."

"Can you do that?"

"Possibly. I have a high alcohol tolerance and even when I am drunk, most don't realize it."

"Hmm... yes, I suppose it is difficult to imagine you drunk." I studied his face, and he looked back curiously. "You don't seem the sort to babble your innermost secrets once the alcohol hits your system."

"No, I am a quiet drunk."

"Given how quiet you usually are, you must be absolutely silent." I smiled a little, and he ducked his head to hide his own. "Well, let me know if you plan to do so. I will make sure I have hangover remedies ready for you."

"I won't need them, but Alec will."

"No, they'll be for you alone. Sir Alec can endure, if he is going to be so rude in the name of duty." After all, I remembered what he'd said the other day. 'Everyone had their secrets' and, as such, Chulainn respected a person's choice to remain silent. And I knew what it was like to hide. I'd spent all my life hiding, after all.

"So you say, but you'll have them ready anyway." He smiled slightly, expression a little soft. "You're much too devoted to healing to leave someone hurting, after all. Particularly when the person is someone you know, and do respect."

"...I'll at least make sure it's the foulest tasting ones." It was almost unfair how right he was. I did respect Sir Alec. He worked tirelessly on his duties, for all his frivolous behavior when off-duty, and I remembered the gratitude he'd given me at Yngvi. I'd hold onto his words forever. "I know Leonster's recipe now, and I agree with Finn. It does look like the drainage from an abscess, and the smell isn't much better."

"Right, I've seen those. One whiff was enough to make me swear never to drink in the Munster District." Chulainn sighed. "I don't know how the Free Knights were able to stomach it, the one time I had a job with them."

"Free Knights?"

"Band of mercenaries, led by a fellow named 'Voltz'. They normally operate in Munster, taking care of minor skirmishes the 'true' knights can't deal with because of the fighting with Thracia. Bandits don't exactly stop pillaging while there's a war." No, I suppose not. If anything, they'd be more likely to pillage then. "Though I did hear some rumor they left for whatever reason. Not sure where they ended up if so."

"So, rumors don't hold all the answers?"

"Rumors are a tool of investigation, not the full arsenal. You don't see Alec relying on them alone." He paused for a second and smiled faintly. "Wait, you were trying to make a joke, weren't you?"

"Perhaps." I grinned at him and he only shook his head, his smile becoming boyish. "Ah, but here is Sigurd's office. Let's see what he needs?"

The door was partially open when we arrived, but I knocked on the door anyway to be polite. At Sigurd's 'come in', we both entered, closing the door behind us. The office was almost the same as when I left a few hours ago, but there were a couple of differences. Namely, there was a small pile of letters and packages on Sigurd's desk, with Lord Eldigan and Deirdre attempting to open the largest of them. Sigurd watched with a smile, while holding onto two letters and a package, for some reason.

"Now, what's this?" I asked, using that as my greeting. The trio in the room turned to smile at me. "I take it this is why you asked Sir Alec to find me?"

"Yes, they arrived shortly after you left and we only just finished sorting through," Sigurd explained, with a light laugh. He then handed me the letters and package he'd been holding. "These are yours."

"They are?" I eyed them dubiously, even though the writing on one of the letters was familiar. "Who are they from?"

"Uh... well..." His smile became a little awkward, which gave me a very large hint. "Father sent the messenger, but as usual, Ring and Prince Kurth took advantage, so from all three?" I was right. One of these letters... must be from Prince Kurth. I mean; I had finally managed to reply to the first one, sending it off before I thought twice, so it would make sense if he had sent his own. That might also explain the package. But who was the other letter from? I couldn't think of why Duke Ring or Duke Byron would write me. "There's a lot because all three like splurging, and Father has a habit of sending things in bulk because of how little he likes writing letters."

"Didn't he send you fifteen at once, back at the Academy?" Lord Eldigan asked, continuing to help Deirdre open the largest package. It wasn't bulky, but it was apparently very thoroughly wrapped. "Quan and I wondered how he had so much to say, but all of them together barely made a paragraph."

"Meanwhile, Ethlyn was sending me daily letters, each five papers thick," Sigurd sighed, shaking his head. His slight smile hinted he hadn't minded in the slightest. "Anyway, having fun there?"

"Byron's meticulousness unfortunately leads to him wrapping packages with enough paper to make a book and make it more secure than an army's convoy." Lord Eldigan eyed it warily. "I'm tempted to use Mystletainn on it." It could not be so tightly wrapped it required a Holy Weapon!

"Should I go grab it?"

"Well…"

"I cannot believe this is actually being considered," I sighed, shaking my head. Deirdre, meanwhile, was picking at the paper with a determined little frown, paying no heed to the conversation. Shaking his head, Chulainn silently went over to assist. "What's wrong with a letter opener or a dagger?"

"My letter opener is buried in the mess," Sigurd admitted without a trace of shame. I was still trying to figure out how three people couldn't get the thing unwrapped. Chulainn even looked confused by it! "And I don't carry a dagger on me."

"Do not both you and Lord Eldigan have boosted strength?"

"Eldigan's afraid of breaking the thing."

"This does not explain you."

"I'm having fun watching." He grinned, and I could only shake my head. "What? They're adorable! Look at the little frowns!"

"They are, but still..." Happy shouts cut me off, and we turned to see they had successfully removed most of the wrapping. "I take it this is a victory well earned?"

"It is!" Deirdre confirmed, grinning widely. "Though I do feel bad since this is apparently mine, but I couldn't open it alone."

"I'm impressed you all got it open so quickly," Sigurd noted, wandering over to stand behind her. Chulainn, just as silently as ever, returned to stand beside me. "I thought we'd have to figure out where my letter opener went before Alicia examined all our heads."

"It's thanks to Eldigan and Chulainn. I was tempted to burn it with light magic, but I didn't want to burn the gift with it." Such phrases were not usually said with so bright a smile, but Deirdre somehow made it work. "Now then..." She carefully pulled the last of the wrapping away to reveal a beautifully decorated wooden box. It wasn't until she opened the lid that I realized it was a jewelry box and, even then, it was because the inside was practically filled with all manner of jewelry. "Oh...!"

"Wow, that's a lot." Sigurd rested a hand on her shoulder and brushed a kiss over her hair. It was a testament to Deirdre's wonder she did not blush. "Hey, wait..." He reached in then and plucked out a beautiful silver and diamond necklace, sparkling in the sunlight. "I know this one. It's my mother's."

"Eh?"

"Is that not the necklace Byron usually carries with him?" Lord Eldigan asked, studying it himself. He had stepped back to better watch the two, and did so with a faint smile. "I think it's also the necklace Hiordis wore the one time I met her."

"Yes, it was Mother's favorite. Father had been arranged to marry a noblewoman from Edda as a child, but he and Mother met and fell in love. So, he gave her this necklace as a promise he would find a way to break the engagement and return to her." Sigurd smiled softly and sadly. "Mother never took it off, even after he fulfilled his promise. He's held onto it ever since she died."

"Until now, clearly." Lord Eldigan's voice was gentle, and Sigurd's smile turned grateful. I wondered if he was making sure Sigurd kept grounded in the present. "I wonder why."

"Y-yes, why is such a precious thing here?" Deirdre breathed, her eyes wide. She gasped, covering her mouth. "Oh no, did it fall out of his pocket?"

"I somehow doubt that," I replied, already thinking of a possible reason. Judging by how Lord Eldigan had to fight off a laugh, I had a feeling he thought the same. "Is there not a letter?"

"Ah! Yes!" Deirdre immediately found it and unfolded it to skim through. Then she read through a little more slowly, tears filling her eyes. "Oh..." I snuck closer and used my sleeve to wipe away the tears which slipped down her face. "No, he's... he's giving it to me..." So, I had guessed correctly. "He's... Urr..." She sniffed and started crying, pushing the letter into my hands before covering her face. Sigurd immediately hugged her, letting her cry happy tears into his chest.

I knew I should have folded the letter and either waited or walked away to give her some time and space. However, I was a terrible person and the letter was still unfolded, so I could not check the urge to read through. It was fine; Lord Eldigan moved behind me to blatantly do the same.

'I am not one to mince words, so do forgive my bluntness. The situation here demands I remain and, to be frank, you don't need an awkward old man ruining your blessed day. Still, I wanted to gift something to the one who somehow managed to catch my son's eye. As it so happens, one of the merchants who passed by had jewelry in his wares. Since I do not know your preferences, I bought them all. Prince Kurth picked out the jewelry box, and I enclosed my wife's favorite necklace within. Sigurd, I'm sure, will tell you how she gained it. Hiordis loved to brag, and Sigurd ever adored listening to her stories. As for why I have gifted it to you... well, it is simply something Hiordis told me once. I had asked if she would ever take it off, as a passing jest, and she declared she would not... not until Sigurd was wed and she could give it to his bride. Thus, I have held onto it all these years in her place, and I ask you now keep it safe for me.

I look forward to meeting you, Deirdre.'

"I do believe this is the most I've seen him write in one letter," Lord Eldigan noted after we finished reading. I looked on the front and back for a signature, frowning when I couldn't find it. "Oh, he never signs his personal letters. Something about signatures only being used for official things. It's a quirk of his."

"I suppose he did put enough context clues to make his identity obvious?" I replied, still frowning. Why would you not sign it? It felt against proper etiquette. Then again, he was a high ranked and popular lord who was close friends and advisor to the Crown Prince. He could easily get away with bad manners. "But this is the most he writes?"

"He's not fond of writing. I think even for reports he writes in some shorthand code he taught Oifeye just to reduce how much he has to write."

"...What an odd man."

"Of course he's odd. He raised Sigurd and Ethlyn." He had a point there. "Ah, looks like..." He tapped my shoulder and pointed to where Deirdre had finally calmed down and Sigurd gently rubbed her back. "Feel a little less overwhelmed, Deirdre?" She shyly nodded, ducking her head in embarrassment. "Good. Sigurd, Byron must be excited. He actually wrote her a paragraph."

"Wow, he never puts that much effort into writing," Sigurd joked, even laughing. He smiled warmly at Deirdre, who smiled back hesitantly. "My dear, may I put the necklace on you?" She nodded and pulled her hair over her shoulder to make it easier for him. It still took him a moment to figure out the clasp. "There we go."

"It's so pretty..." she murmured, gently touching the pendant. "Oh, I wonder if this qualifies for something old..." Silence fell and she blushed when she realized why. "Oh, wait, that was aloud, wasn't it? Um..."

"Something old?"

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," Lord Eldigan recited easily. It made sense; Chulainn said it was an Agustrian rhyme, after all. "It's an old rhyme wishing good fortune for a wedding. It's why Grahnye joked someone should carry you during my wedding, remember?"

"Oh, yes, that's right," Sigurd laughed, obviously having fun with the memory. Deirdre smiled sheepishly. "I think she settled with a ribbon, didn't she?"

"She did, after my father refused to indulge our ridiculousness." Wait, so would they have really done it if he hadn't? "I'm impressed you know the rhyme, Deirdre. Most outside of Agustria don't."

"Oh, no, I can't take credit," Deirdre murmured, looking down shyly. She then smiled sweetly at Chulainn. "Chulainn suggested it, actually. In the Spirit Forest, the bride and the maid of honor wear a matching accessory, so we wondered what would suit both our colorings and he told me about the rhyme. I commissioned the accessories and they..." She trailed off, glancing at me awkwardly. "Um..."

"I fear I should step away now, since Deirdre is determined to keep it a surprise," I said, giving her an out. She smiled gratefully, and sheepishly. "Was there anything else you need me for?"

"No, I wanted to deliver those right away," Sigurd explained, barely muffling laughter. His eyes still shone with mirth. "So, what is missing for the rhyme, by the way?"

"I believe we need the 'something borrowed'."

"Ethlyn will sulk through the whole ceremony if we don't let her fulfill that role."

"In that case, how about I let her know now so she has time to pick what she wants to lend?" Lord Eldigan suggested, already heading to the door. "I should also make sure Altena hasn't somehow managed to convince Ares into making trouble with her."

"She certainly tries very hard!" Deirdre laughed, clapping her hands. Apparently, Ares did not like to adventure, and Altena did and tried to drag Ares along. "She actually tried to pull him yesterday, but Ares yanked her back."

"...Yeah, I definitely need to check. I don't need her teaching him anything. She's definitely got Ethlyn's mischief." Lord Eldigan caught my eye and nodded to the door, and I nodded and followed him after giving Deirdre the letter back. "Oh, but before I forget, Lachesis would like to have tea with you, Deirdre, but is too shy to ask directly. Would you mind?"

"Oh! I would love to!" Deirdre beamed, and I remembered how Lady Ethlyn said Lady Lachesis may take a while to warm to her. Was this a sign she was or a way to learn about her? "I'll let her know myself!"

"I appreciate it." The three of us left then, with Lord Eldigan shutting the door behind us. "And now I have to deal with Lachesis fretting over what kind of tea to serve. Still, it's better than her staring and trying to work up the courage to ask directly."

"Deirdre is particularly fond of teas with mild flavors, with a hint of fruit," I answered without thinking about it, already heading for my workshop. Chulainn fell in step next to me. "The mix I'm making for her includes apples, blackberry leaves, lemon balm, and rose petals." There were a few more ingredients as well, but these were the base for the tea. The rest was still being adjusted to suit Deirdre's tastes.

"That sounds more like a bouquet than a tea." Lord Eldigan caught up with me easily, and adjusted his pace to ensure he didn't overtake me. "Then again, Agustrian teas are very simple, with at most three ingredients. Most only have one."

"I would recommend a chamomile, rose, or lemon balm tea, then." So, they were simple? That was rather interesting, since Grannvale's always consisted of four or more ingredients, if they weren't specifically medicinal. "Ah, but speaking of Lady Lachesis..."

"Oh, bloodied gods, what did she do?"

"I... pardon?" What had Lady Lachesis done in the past for that to be his initial reaction? "It's nothing troublesome. She has simply been staring at me as well, and I fear Chulainn is in danger of losing his temper because of how bad she is at sneaking and hiding."

"I'm sorry; Agustria isn't known for stealth, and those of Hodr's line are even worse than most since all of us are used to using our strength to break out of trouble." I could not, for the life of me, decide if he was joking or not. "But she is staring, you say?"

"Yes. Lady Ethlyn once told me she watched to see if I was as skilled as others claimed. Is this still the case?"

"She's..." He sighed heavily and shook his head. "That girl... really, you wouldn't think she was so shy, given her personality most days." So, was this a 'yes' or...? "She wants to learn from you." Pardon? "She tried to ask during our previous stay, but every time she peeked into your infirmary or workshop, you were busy and she did not want to interrupt you." Then had she lingered in hopes of finding a time when I was no longer 'busy' and stared so she would not miss her chance? "She wants to learn more about staves in particular, since there are so few who can teach her in Nordion."

"I see." Now that I thought about it, she had been very attentive while helping me, even whispering some bits to herself like she was committing them to memory. "Well, I teach the boys with some regularity. It's mostly medicines and herbalism, though there is the occasional lesson for sewing. I won't mind if she joins them, and I doubt they would either. We can work out a time for staff lessons as well." Oh, maybe she can learn in the mornings while Chulainn taught the boys?

"I'll let her know." He smiled softly. "Thank you for indulging her."

"It's really no trouble. If anything, I feel I should apologize. I'm not one to sit idle; I have to actively work to relax, if that makes sense."

"Completely."

Neither of us spoke more as Lord Eldigan escorted me to my workshop, and after seeing him off, Chulainn and I settled into our usual spots, me at the table and him leaning against the wall. There, I looked over the package and letters, and decided to open the package first since I guessed it was from Prince Kurth. I could not fathom Duke Byron or Duke Ring getting me a gift, after all.

Inside the package were two books: one fiction and one nonfiction. The nonfiction book was medical, detailing common and uncommon medicines in the Edda region. A quick flip through the fictional book proved it was a story not unlike Deirdre's favorite, a tale of knights and battles and romance. While it was easy to guess why he'd gotten me the medical book, I did not know why he had bought me the tale. Did he see me reading Deirdre's favorite and think it was something I usually read? ...No, that didn't sound like him. He would've asked first.

Frowning now, I set both to the side and picked up the letter with familiar writing. As I expected, it was from Prince Kurth and it confirmed the books were, indeed, from him.

'I mentioned the numerous merchants who delight in taking advantage of the armies to sell their wares, yes? One would think being near a warzone would make them skittish, but most laugh when I suggest it. Something about how all travel has its dangers and they know how to make a run for it before things get bad. I'll admit to not understanding, but merchants know their trade well. Regardless, I saw these books among one merchant's wares, and snagged both before I thought twice. The medical textbook is one Claud references frequently (Very. Frequently.), and the other... it is one Cigyun read to you.'

I had to pause then, not certain how to feel about the last sentence. Surprise was there, as well as some frustration. Yet, somehow, there was also some sort of warm... nostalgia. Perhaps that was the word. Whatever it was, the mix settled poorly in my heart and it took a great deal of effort to continue reading instead of running away from the feelings.

'I am not certain if you would like seeing it, given everything. But I remember how you would curl up next to her, babbling happily as she read to you. And it did not feel right to assume one way or the other about how you would feel about it. So, I decided to send it as well.'

There was more, of course, both before and after those key sections. This time, there was a note of hope I would continue replying, but I knew he would understand if I chose against it. He would also be baffled and grateful if I did. He did not expect anything, and wanted to respect my choices. Even with things that may or may not be uncomfortable for me, even with things he already had guesses on, he wanted me to choose. He was very keen on letting people choose; he did it with Cigyun, after all.

I set the letter down and opened the tale again, eyeing it critically now that I knew why he had sent it. This was something Cigyun had read to me and it did not escape me it had been her, not my mother, who read it. Even the other memory he'd shared back in Velthomer had been about Cigyun and me, with no mention of my mother. If I had to be fair, it could be bias. He still loved Cigyun. But it would make sense if my mother hadn't spent time with me, if she had wanted as little to do with me as possible. She threw me away in the name of safety. Perhaps... perhaps Cigyun had been more like a 'mother' to me. If so, then her disappearance... it had already been painful, both out of sympathy for Arvis's pain and out of the belief my life would have been better if she hadn't left. But now, there was a new pain, dull and insistent. If I was right, if she had been 'my' mother as she had been Arvis's, then why had she abandoned us? Why had she run away and left us behind? There were no answers, and there would never be answers. If there were, Arvis would've found them by now. But I wanted them. For the first time, I wanted them.

...If I saw Prince Kurth again... no, when I saw him again, maybe I would ask. Maybe I would ask about Cigyun, about my mother. Maybe I would ask about what happened after my father's tantrum-turned-suicide. Maybe I would ask about why they didn't use me as evidence back then. Maybe I would ask what he knew about her disappearance. He... he would answer me, I think. As best as he could, to the fullest extent of his knowledge, he would answer me.

"Is everything well?" Chulainn asked softly then, jarring me from my thoughts. I wondered how long I had been staring at the book in my hands. "Your expression locked up."

"It is..." I began, wondering how to explain. Did I want to? "I..."

"Ah." It was all he said, but it meant everything. He wouldn't ask further. He wouldn't prompt. He recognized the matter was complicated and quietly rescinded the question. "You have another letter." Instead, he gently redirected my attention, reminding me there were other things I could do until I was settled enough to think of how to reply. I wondered if it would take over a month like the last one.

But that was for another time. Right now, I gave him the most grateful smile I could muster and opened the other letter. Of course, as soon as I read it, I had to quickly muffle laughter. Calling this a letter was a gross overstatement. It was naught but a single line! 'Thank you for making sure my idiot son didn't die.'

"Why did Lord Byron waste paper for this?" I couldn't help but ask, passing the note to Chulainn. He took one look at it, and ducked his head to hide his smile. "It's not even signed!" Yes, Lord Eldigan had said Duke Byron never signed personal letters, but this was ridiculous!

"I suppose he thought the subject and writer were obvious?" Chulainn suggested, trying to go back to being stoic. It took him much longer than usual. "You should show Sigurd and Ethlyn."

"I will, later." I retrieved the note from him and cracked open the medical book to start studying. If even Father Claud referenced it, then it had to be a very interesting read. "For now, let's get some work done. I have done nothing all day."

"Don't you study while I teach?"

"I was extra worried about the boys today, so I barely read a thing."

"You should have more faith in their ability to endure."

"I'm a healer; it's my job to fret."

We went back and forth for a little while before sitting in comfortable silence, and the rest of my day proceeded as usual. But that night, I decided to start reading the tale Prince Kurth had sent, one chapter at a time. I still didn't know what to feel about it, but maybe I would have an answer by the time I finished. It would be nice if I did, at least.

---

Lady Lachesis showed up to lessons the very next day, strangely hesitant given how headstrong and fiery she was in my memories. Lord Oifeye didn't think anything weird about it, and dragged her into the group with ease. Thus, my lessons became for five instead of four, but it didn't make anything harder. The only change to my routine at all was Lady Lachesis had her staff lessons while Chulainn taught the boys, though I had a feeling this was only because she wanted to learn as much as possible about staves before returning to Nordion. Otherwise, I think she would've joined them there as well.

"So, this one is best for bruises, and this one is valued for its hemostatic properties..." Lady Lachesis murmured, frowning over her notes at the table. She did this every day after our lessons in my workshop, to ensure she understood everything. She usually did. She was a very quick learner, even quicker than Finn and Lord Oifeye. "Wow, there's so many herbs. I haven't even heard of half of these."

"Some are herbs unique to Verdane, since we're staying here," Finn helpfully explained, sparing a moment to smile at her before returning to his sweeping. He and Lord Oifeye had lingered to help clean my workshop since they had no other duties for the day for once. Shannan and Dew, sadly, did have plans. Shannan had his sword lessons with Ayra, and Dew was filling in for the messengers again. "She's been teaching us about the ones used in Leonster for me, though."

"This is so interesting!" Lady Lachesis beamed. "Ah, how in the world am I going to memorize all this, though?"

"I have some tricks I can show you?"

"Really? Thanks!"

"I can also show you my notes, Lady Lachesis," Lord Oifeye offered, dusting off my shelves. I would usually do that before sweeping, but I'd let them figure it out on their own. For now, I was making tea in the corner, with Chulainn standing near so he was out of their way. "I tend to write down everything."

"I knew that already; you're the one who made yourself a manual for taking care of armor," Lady Lachesis teased. Lord Oifeye made a face at her, while Finn looked intrigued. "But I will happily take the notes and study help!"

"Lady Alicia also doesn't mind answering questions."

"I noticed, but I don't want to bother her when she's working…"

"That's like saying you don't want to interrupt Alec when he's flirting. It's always happening." Hey now, I was getting better at breaks! "So long as no one is bleeding or dying, you can ask."

"Even if it's something stupid like 'what does the ceron flower look like again?'?"

"It's very distinctive with gold petals and a red center. It also never blooms in sunlight, only in moonlight." Lord Oifeye paused when Lady Lachesis sulked at how easily he answered. "But yes, even then. There's no such thing as a stupid question." She continued to sulk, so he deftly changed the subject. "By the way, you'd best brace yourself." He grinned teasingly. "I fear there will be a significant increase in the number of times you hear 'when is it going to be your turn?'."

"Blech, don't remind me!" Lady Lachesis immediately made a face, her pout disappearing in an instant. "I was already dealing with it, and they're going to stop being subtle."

"They were subtle before?"

"Ha! Fair." She sighed gustily, shaking her head. "But that is neither here nor there. I will not marry anyone-"

"Of a lesser caliber than Lord Eldigan, Lord Sigurd, and Prince Quan. Yes, I know." The way Lord Oifeye said it implied he'd heard it many times. She simply grinned in return. I noted the inclusion of her brother's best friends and wondered if the rumors Chulainn had heard 'conveniently forgot' she had two others she used as her standard. I even glanced at him, but he didn't pay me any mind. He was too busy helping Finn move things for sweeping. "Please don't break people's arms. Again."

"Look, that only happened once! I forgot people's bones were fragile!" Considering bones were actually very strong, I could only think this was a testament to the strength Hodr's blood gave. "And it was at a joint anyway!" Ah, this was more plausible. Joints could be very weak. "A-anyway, you'll have to deal with it in a couple of years yourself."

"I highly doubt it."

"Holy Blood is always sought after, you know."

"Oh, no, I do not doubt people will want to." Lord Oifeye smiled innocently. "However, I also highly doubt Lord Sigurd will let them say two words on the subject. And if they do, I will simply tell him and let him take care of it as he did with those who wanted to betroth Lady Ethlyn and me."

"I would pay to see that show again!" Lady Lachesis cackled, leaning back in the chair almost enough to tip it over. She easily caught herself. "Oh, it was so glorious!"

"...Does this have something to do with a lake?" Finn hesitantly asked. The only response was more cackling, this time from Lord Oifeye and Lady Lachesis both. "Ah. So it is." He turned to Chulainn and me, smiling apologetically. "I don't actually know the full story. Every time Prince Quan or Lady Ethlyn tried to tell me, they'd collapse with laughter. It took ten tries before I could even glean the detail about the lake."

"Something tells me we are all better off without knowing," I replied, bringing the tea over at last. Chulainn, meanwhile, looked thoughtful. "So, should we-?"

"When was this?" Chulainn suddenly asked. I frowned at him, but he ignored me. "Four years ago?" Lord Oifeye and Lady Lachesis were still laughing, but Lord Oifeye managed a nod. "Ah, I wonder if this is connected to the job I had in the area around then. The clients were insistent they were being haunted by the ghosts of their ancestors." This led to a resurgence in the laughter. Just what had happened? "I was asked to find components to some sort of ritual."

"I take it you didn't ask further."

"I learned very early the jobs you question are not the weird ones. It's the simple ones that always lead to high body counts."

"How delightful." With that bit of sarcasm, I poured the tea and beckoned Lord Oifeye and Finn to join Lady Lachesis at the table. "Here you are. It's a raspberry and lemon mix."

"Is that why the color is so red?" Lady Lachesis asked, watching me pour the tea in utter fascination. She always showed a childlike glee over simple things like this; I should make a blue one next time. I knew just the flower for it. "Oh, right, Chulainn, how old are you?" That was… a random question. Chulainn stilled at it, but he didn't seem uncomfortable. I think… I think he was trying to remember. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. But if you were a mercenary four years ago, you're probably older than I was thinking."

"I... am twenty-one," Chulainn answered, speaking a little slower than usual. It was like he had to think even as he spoke. "I've been a mercenary since I was sixteen."

"Oh, so you're about the age I was thinking then. I didn't realize people became mercenaries so young." A very awkward silence fell then. Chulainn even looked bitterly amused. "Er... I just showed how sheltered I am, didn't I?" She looked down, pulling her hair over her shoulder to try and hide her face. "Um..."

"There's nothing wrong with learning," Finn told her softly. He made sure to smile, even though she refused to look up. "I didn't realize how limited my own worldview was until I came here." He mentioned something similar, when he asked to learn from Chulainn. "I think most people only know a small part of the world until and unless they make an effort to learn. That goes from the nobles in their castles to the children on the streets. You may know all there is to know about the world you see, but that's all it is. The world you see. That's why we always encounter surprises when we venture beyond." Deciding that was enough philosophy for today, he pointedly took a sip of his tea and changed the subject entirely. "Speaking of surprises, I'm rather surprised by how unperturbed by everything Lord Eldigan is."

"Hmm?" Lady Lachesis replied, hesitantly looking up. She raised her head fully when she saw Lord Oifeye and Finn were smiling gently. "What do you mean?"

"About Lord Sigurd's marriage." Finn made a face. Lord Oifeye actually snickered. "Prince Quan complained of the secrecy every hour, on the hour, for a solid two days. Impressive considering we were planning our final push through Verdane at the same time."

"Eldigan can never be angry or exasperated with Sigurd. Not for long, at least." She smiled softly. "Sigurd is his first friend, you see. Between shyness, and most people being terrified of his strength, he wasn't close to anyone. And then Sigurd the shining whirlwind showed up." She scowled then. "Meaning when we got Sigurd's letter, Eldigan was laughing and completely unconcerned, while I freaked out over this strange lady who was somehow marrying Sigurd!" This definitely matched their replies. "Hah... and I was so determined to be suspicious of her too. It's just weird. I've seen people all but throw themselves at him, do everything but slip into his bed naked-"

"Someone actually did that," Lord Oifeye revealed, sipping his tea. It did not hide his grin. "My lord stared for a moment and then apologized, closed the door, and walked away. He thought he'd gone to the wrong room while exhausted."

"Of course he did," Lady Lachesis sighed. She fiddled with her teacup, eyes distant. "So, it was bizarre. I know stories are only stories, but I had to wonder if there was some aphrodisiac or love potion."

"The latter does not exist."

"It made more sense than Sigurd meeting someone and falling in love. He's always been like the sun, shining brightly without any longing for company. Then bam! Mystery woman wins his heart." She made a face. "Yet I meet her and she's like the moon to his sun. She's sweet, she adores him, and gods' blood, she's freaking gorgeous. How can I not like her?"

"Ah, yes, you've always been weak for pretty faces."

"I don't need to hear that from you, mister. Which of us nearly got himself sold as a slave because he trusted a pretty lady?"

"I'm not Alec! She said she needed help! It had nothing to do with how pretty she was!"

"So, you admit she was pretty."

"That's not the point!"

The two dissolved into playful bickering, which Finn tried to mediate. I thought about doing the same, but decided against it since I didn't think there was much harm in it. Instead, I slipped to Chulainn's side and quietly asked, "do you want some tea?"

"No," he answered, immediate yet polite. He watched the trio at the table with some amusement. "I'm fine."

"I see..." I had to admit it was troubling. I'd like to do more for him, and making tea was one of the few things I was good at besides healing and sewing. "Ayra and Shannan do not seem particularly fond of tea either." They would drink it if offered, of course, but they showed no preferences for anything. "Is Isaachian tea so different?"

"Isaachain tea typically has more fruits and honey. The most popular use syrups and marmalade instead of dried leaves. Though, nobles tend to like the ones brewed by steeping flowers directly in the cup." He frowned slightly, turning to face me. "Why ask me?"

"Are you not from Isaach?" I had thought it was a simple, unobtrusive question, but the way he stiffened made me wonder if I... "I... I do not want to pry, and I apologize if you feel uncomfortable. I simply... I guessed..."

"...How?"

"You mentioned death's eyes so easily, but no one aside from Ayra or Shannan seems to know what that means?" It felt awkward to mention it now, especially since everything from his stance to his expression turned stiff and stony. "I'm sorry; I won't say or ask anything more. But... um... thank you for telling me about the tea?"

I ducked into my storeroom before he replied, telling the others some lie about needing to check my stock for something. It was only a temporary measure I knew, but I hoped it might help me settle my nerves. I... I crossed a line. I must have. There was no other reason for him to stiffen like that, for him to close off like that. Did I hurt him with the assumption? I hoped I didn't. I hoped he wasn't mad. I...

---

Though I continued to worry about whether or not I'd offended him for many days, Chulainn's behavior didn't change. He acted as he always did, so I did my best to do the same. No one noticed anything off, and the silences between us remained comfortable. I wondered if I was overthinking things, but did not know how to ask. I didn't want to risk hurting or angering him again. Yet if I had, I wanted to apologize. But I didn't want to make things awkward. Round and round the thoughts whirled in my head, and during one quiet morning a few days later, I decided to blurt the first thing I thought of.

"Say, Chulainn?" I began tentatively, doing my best to pretend I was absorbed in my task. My meeting with Sigurd had ended earlier than usual, and Chulainn had no lessons, so we were in my workshop, just the two of us. Shannan had been here with us, to help set up for the day, but since I was already here and only planned on finishing Deirdre's veil, he darted off to the training yards to see if Lex or Ayra were there. He already knew everyone else was busy. "Is there a tea you like?"

"A tea?" he repeated, sounding a little surprised. When I glanced back at him, though, I saw him staring through me as he usually did. "Why?"

"I would like to make you some, as thanks." It was also a very awkward attempt at apologizing. I didn't want to bring up the conversation if he didn't, but... "I've almost finished the veil, so I thought..."

"I do not need thanks, or apologies." Darn, he guessed. I wasn't surprised, but I did half-wish he'd let me keep some sort of dignity. "There's no need to waste the time or water."

"If it is for you, it is not a waste." I frowned at him, and he met my gaze head on. "Now if you simply do not like any, that is fine. I can think of something else." ...Maybe. "I could sew you something, for instance." Healing, sewing, and making tea… these were the only things I had any skill at, so they were the only ways I could help someone.

"There is no need to-"

"Again, if it is for you, then it is not a waste." I tied off my thread, the last bit of the veil finally done, and set it on the table. "So..." Then I stood, so I could better look him in the eye. "Is there?"

"..." He stared at me and through me for a long moment before looking away. "It's... been a while since I sat down for tea, but my favorite used to be pleorula."

"Pleorula?"

"It's a fruit that grows only in Isaach." He spoke slowly, haltingly, but he didn't trip over the words. He was dragging them out, but I did not think he was fully reluctant. Though, that could be my ego talking. "It's made into a marmalade using honey, instead of just sugar, and spoonfuls are mixed with hot water for the tea."

"I see." It was disappointing to hear the fruit was only in Isaach, but the setback only made my mind whirl with potential options. Were there similar fruits I could use instead? Could I ask someone to find it for me? To better increase chances of success, I should try both, but how best to go about it...

"You're already plotting how to make an equivalent, aren't you?" He sounded very exasperated, but for some reason, this made me all the more determined to make it for him. "You are..." He glanced at the door then, frowning slightly. "Hide the veil." Knowing he wouldn't say such without a good reason, I folded the veil quickly and tucked it behind my sewing basket.

Two seconds later, Deirdre and Lord Eldigan came in, laughing about something. "Oh, Alicia, I hope I'm not bothering!" Deirdre managed through her laugh. She wore the diamond necklace, just as always. She never took it off and I had a feeling she never would. Thankfully, it paired well with most of her wardrobe. "And sorry for the... Eldigan was telling me a story about what sort of antics he, Quan, and Sigurd got into at the academy!"

"Sometimes I'd swear we were like puppies in a basket, all paws and barks and not a wit of sense," Lord Eldigan 'explained', ignoring how the words gave no context at all. All I could assume was 'usual youthful adventures', the kind which led to people pounding on my door because they always seem to lead to a lot of blood and broken bones. "I do apologize for the ruckus. I was escorting her and thought to share a tale or two."

"Yes, sorry!" Deirdre continued smiling, since she knew I didn't mind any of it in the slightest. "Lachesis and Grahnye are out with Ares and Altena, and I thought it a good chance to check on you. Is everything well? You look like you've been here for a while. Was someone hurt?"

"No, my morning meeting with Sigurd ended early since Sir Alec needed to report something," I reassured. I could've stayed, of course, since it dealt with his investigations into the warehouses, but I had opted to return to my workshop instead, since I doubted I'd have much insight into things. They'd inform me later if both agreed it was something significant, and I would write Dietrich with the information, just as I had for previous potential leads. "Actually, you've come by at the perfect time. Sit down."

"Sit down?" Deirdre asked, blinking owlishly at me. Still, even with the confusion, she did as I bade. She knew I wouldn't ask without a reason. "What is it? I promise I am as healthy as ever."

"That is good to hear, but is not why I had you sit." I smiled secretively. "Ah, but I do need you to close your eyes, Deirdre. I want to make sure this fits."

"Make sure what fits?" She frowned for all of a second before gasping and not only closing her eyes, but covering her face. I playfully poked her cheek, to 'confirm' she really had her eyes shut, and she giggled in delight. "All good!"

"Er... what's going on?" Lord Eldigan asked, stepping out of the doorway. He watched me with a frown as I unfolded the veil and draped it over Deirdre's head. "Should I...?"

"In Verdane, the maid of honor makes the veil and the bride is not allowed to see," Chulainn explained for me. This left me free to fix the veil to Deirdre's hair, checking its length and how well the embroidery looked against her hair. Thankfully, my measurements remained accurate. I was so glad I'd insisted on measuring three times. "That's all. She just finished, so now is the time for adjustments."

"Ah, and Deirdre is making sure she does not accidentally see so much as a thread." Lord Eldigan nodded and moved a little further away from the door. "So that's why no one had brought up the veil. Grahnye and I were wondering."

"It's considered rude to rush the maid of honor about the veil, since it is a representation of her well-wishes. I'm told when everyone was informed, they made a collective vow to not speak of it unless Alicia brought it up." I wished he was exaggerating, but that was exactly what happened.

"Surprised no one did out of excitement."

"From what I hear, one or two have." Chulainn nodded at the door, a silent indication I would soon have another visitor. "Speaking of the 'one or two', though…"

"Hey, Alicia, are you in... oh my gods~!" The amazingly chipper words were accompanied by a squeal only Lady Ethlyn could make, followed quickly by her giggle as she swung into my workshop with all the energy of a storm. "Oh, Deirdre, you're going to be the envy of all brides with that veil!" she gushed with sparkling eyes. I could only shake my head and finish checking everything fell as it should. I was glad others liked it, of course, but there was no need for flattery. If Deirdre liked it when she finally saw it, I would be happy. "Seriously, Alicia, it's so pretty!"

"Ethlyn, if you squeal any higher, I think the dogs will flinch," Lord Eldigan teased. Lady Ethlyn stuck her tongue at him childishly. "Though I will agree it's very beautiful."

"Yes, and it suits Deirdre so well! Should go great with the wedding dress too! No wonder Alicia insisted on-"

"Now, now, she's not supposed to know anything about the veil until the day of, remember?" I chided, taking the veil off and folding it once more. Chulainn kindly took it from me and promptly hid it in my storeroom. "Deirdre, you can open your eyes now." Deirdre did so slowly, and leaned her head back to beam at me. "Lady Ethlyn, did you need me for something? You sounded as if you were looking for me."

"Oh, right!" Lady Ethlyn gasped, snapping her fingers for some reason. "I wanted to catch you at Sigurd's office, but he said you'd left already. Anyway, the first part was a warning!" Her tone was much too bright for a 'warning'. "Before she and Lachesis headed out, Grahnye saw Altena's blanket and she said it was really adorable, which it is, and she had a glitter in her eye that makes me think she'll ask if you'll make one for Ares." I... that was... a little much? I mean; I was glad people liked it since I'd done my best in making it. I'd even embroidered leaves and flowers on it for Njorun and Gaia of Earth. But I didn't think it was so good that... "Second, I kind of have a request? A sewing request?"

"A sewing request?" With the amount I've sewn lately, I should've asked Miss Sorcha for tips and tricks while I was in Velthomer. Yes, it was one of the very few things I was good at, but I only knew as much as I did because I'd wanted to save money and better stitch wounds.

"Yes, and I know you've sewn a lot recently, so feel free to refuse! I'll be very mad if you push yourself." She even scowled, but relaxed into a smile again. "Anyway, you may have heard, but Finn's sixteenth is soon. Just a month or so before the wedding. Right after Lachesis's, actually."

"Yes, Prince Quan commissioned a lance for the occasion." I shared a knowing look with Deirdre, since the same smith was handling her own commission. The last I'd heard, it was almost done. We just needed a few free moments for Deirdre to slip away and help with the light magic part. "I must admit; I did not know other nations fielded soldiers so young."

"In both Leonster and Agustria, fourteen is the youngest one can join armies, though the age of majority is still sixteen like Grannvale. Ideally, of course, they only learn how to fight until they come of age, but it's not unusual for people to see combat at age fifteen in the Munster District." She looked down briefly, eyes dark and pained, before she forced the darkness away with a shy smile. "Regardless, when a knight of Leonster turns sixteen, they get both a coat and cape made for them. Usually by family, but Finn..." Finn was an orphan. Knowing him, he had already resigned himself to not having either. "And I want him to have a really good one. Because he's like family to Quan and me both, and because... well, the prince of Leonster doesn't usually take a squire and..."

"Quan fought hard to allow Finn to be a squire, instead of a soldier," Lord Eldigan noted softly, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. "Leonster's laws are clear; squires and knights are nobility and commoners can only be soldiers. Thus, the army is filled with commoners, and their prized Erde Ritter is filled with nobles." Was this a way to somehow make the knights feel better about all the fighting? "Quan, however, went against it for Finn. He even wrote Sigurd and me, asking for as many arguments as we could give." I wonder why he would do such a thing. Very few would fight for no reason.

"Indeed, Duke Dorias said he'd never seen Quan argue so much with King Calf," Lady Ethlyn confirmed, fiddling with her hands now. Her smile, however, was proud. "But he won, and Finn became his squire. So..."

"So, you want to lessen any chances of Leonster's nobles making snide remarks because while he doesn't care, you do." Lord Eldigan's smile became teasing. "Which means whatever designs you have in mind are outside your skill level."

"Urk..." She immediately sulked, and he chuckled. "I-I'm better than I used to be! And Lachesis!"

"Ares is better than Lachesis, and he's not allowed near sharp objects."

"Moh...!" Her sulk deepened at the very odd sound and she pointedly turned away from him to face me again. "A-anyway, it... is true what I have in mind is... Well, I could do it, but I..."

"Would Finn even want me to make it for him?" I asked softly, feeling a little hesitant. If it was usually done by family, then wasn't it far too forward and rude to simply... yes, I had overheard him saying 'sisterly', but there was a very big difference between 'sisterly' and 'sister'. "I wouldn't want to presume..."

"He'd love it," Lady Ethlyn answered, her words firm with conviction. There wasn't a single doubt in her mind about it. "But, like I said, I don't want you to force yourself. Especially since wedding preparations will be in full swing soon. Yes, Edain is coming from Yngvi then to help, but I know for a fact we'll have so much work to be done we'll wish there was a way to triplicate people." Was 'triplicate' even a word?

"I shall take your word for it." I hesitated and glanced down at Deirdre. She smiled at me encouragingly. "I'll need to see the patterns before I decide, and will need cloth if I do."

"Of course!" Lady Ethlyn beamed. "Thank you~!"

"You'll have to hide it somehow," Chulainn noted as he returned, closing the storeroom behind him. I hoped he hid the veil somewhere I could reach. "And you definitely can't work on them in the workshop. He spends almost as much time here as you do."

"He does not, but I can just work on them in my room," I replied. Yet even as I did, I thought of a potential problem. If I suddenly spent more time in my room, Finn would definitely worry and come check. Maybe I should just stay up later then. I could work on them while I read a chapter in the tale Prince Kurth had bought me. "However, that is assuming I will make them."

"I think everyone in this room is well aware you will." He said the words dryly, and I frowned at him. The worst part was how right he was. My hesitations were solely on whether or not Finn would want me to do it. "So, you'll have to hide and we'll have to ensure Finn doesn't fret."

"I could get Lachesis to distract him," Lord Eldigan joked, his smile teasing. Deirdre and I both looked at him skeptically. "It'll be easy. All I'll have to tell her is Ethlyn is planning a surprise, and she'll jump on the idea."

"If there's one thing Lachesis loves, it's helping with surprises," Lady Ethlyn confirmed with a laugh. This still felt a little... "We could also suggest you're making more adjustments to the veil. Everyone already knows you're working on it, and only the ones here know you're done." Maybe I should go the route of 'tell the truth, but not the whole truth'. If Finn noticed and asked, I would tell him I was sewing, and leave the rest to his own imagination. "Anyway, seriously, thank you so much and-"

The happy time ended in a split-second. Before Lady Ethlyn could even finish saying her thanks, both Chulainn and Lord Eldigan stiffened. Without a word, they surged towards the door and not even a half-second later, two knife-bearing cloaked figures appeared from nowhere to darken the doorway. As soon as I saw them, I yanked Lady Ethlyn behind me and twisted so I could shield both her and Deirdre if needed. Thankfully, it wasn't. Chulainn cut down one with ease; Lord Eldigan kicked the other's head clean off. Though I knew both had to be dead due to all the blood spewing from the falling corpses, I rushed over to check the not-headless-one. But, as expected, there was no breath and no pulse, so I stood back up, grabbed both Lord Eldigan and Chulainn by the arms and dragged them over to the table to sit.

"I... what the...?!" Lord Eldigan yelped, half-falling into the chair. Chulainn fell just as gracelessly into the other one. I ignored both to run into my storeroom and fetch extra bandages and two vials of antidotes. "Lady Alicia, I assure you, there's no need to check me for injuries!" I kept ignoring him when I returned, setting my supplies on the table and checking him over. Deirdre kindly fetched my staff for me and hovered worriedly in case I needed assistance. "I... as the Hodr Major of our generation, my strength means such feats come easily, so-"

"This does not mean you are magically immune to muscle strain or poison," I retorted, frowning when I found a tiny cut on the side of his neck. I could sense no poison, and it was very shallow. What caused this? Was it a bone splinter? The headless corpse did have fractured vertebrae sticking out of the stump of his neck. "Honestly, just because you can do something with minimal pain does not mean there's no damage at all. Was there not a less dramatic way to go about this?" My irritation spiked when he had the gall to chuckle. "Might you share the joke?"

"It's nothing, truly." He held still to let me work, no longer trying to fight me off. "I am simply realizing why I got a note from Quan saying 'there are two of them!'." That made no sense. "Chulainn, since this won't take long, I'm not sure you should be moving. I have a feeling you're next."

"He most certainly is!" I turned to frown at Chulainn, only to discover he was searching the bodies. Lady Ethlyn helped, her expression green yet determined. "Chulainn."

"I'll move back when you're done with him," Chulainn promised, more focused on his task. He pulled out something from their pocket and handed it to Lady Ethlyn. "Timing is unusual, but I'm almost certain these are assassins. Everything about their clothing is too nondescript, picked to blend into any crowd or scenery. Arrogant ones too, to attack when there's so many people. Did they do their last check a while ago, or are they fools who didn't think they needed to confirm before striking?"

There was no answer, of course. The only ones who could give one were dead. So, in silence, I finished checking over Lord Eldigan and then pulled Chulainn back over to the table to examine him. Lord Eldigan took his place by the bodies, at least until Lady Ethlyn turned far too green to be healthy. Then he prioritized getting her away so she wouldn't vomit on the corpses. We'd have to clean the corner later, since I didn't have a convenient bucket for her, but we could worry about it later. For now, he rubbed her back and Deirdre found her some water to sip, and I focused completely on Chulainn. Thankfully, he was just as fine as Lord Eldigan, so I stepped away and picked up the two vials of antidote. I… I had intended to return them to my storeroom, but I couldn't. A sinking feeling in my heart made me clutch them as tightly as I held my staff. Something was wrong. Beyond the whole 'oh, there were assassins' event which I could worry about later, there was something wrong.

"So, if two assassins chose to attack here, the only conclusion is their target must frequent this room regularly," Lord Eldigan mused, even as he helped Lady Ethlyn with the water. Deirdre frowned at him, but he shook his head. "My apologies, Deirdre, but we must assume there's at least one more assassin until proven otherwise, and as such, it's best to figure out their target."

"I understand that, but..." Deirdre began, trailing off as she looked at the blood, and the bodies still soaking it up. Then she looked worriedly at Lady Ethlyn, still coughing and choking in the corner, before shaking her head. "No, if you're correct, then no time can be wasted. As for those who come here frequently, there's... well, the most frequent are obviously Alicia and Chulainn."

"And there's usually at least one visitor every hour, if not more, so attacking here for either Lady Alicia or Chulainn is a poor choice. Similarly, if you or Sigurd were the targets, other locations would suit better." Yes, since both Sigurd and Deirdre would only visit when they knew I was here, and Chulainn was ever at my side. So, if they chose to attack here anyway, perhaps their target was someone who visited my workshop even when I wasn't here? Perhaps it was someone who usually came specifically when I... was... absent...

...The boys... the boys often came to my workshop ahead of me, to prepare for a lesson or help set things up so I could work as soon as I arrived. They did this even after Lady Lachesis joined our lessons, and on days where there were no lessons planned, it wasn't uncommon for only one of them to come. In fact, I think they even rotated between them, so they all took an equal share of the job. In those cases, they would be absolutely alone, with no one around, and out of the four boys, there was one who...

"Alicia?!" Someone called after me. I think it was Deirdre. But I didn't reply. I couldn't. As soon as I realized who the target had to be, I bolted from my workshop, running as fast as my legs could move. I left blood in my wake, thanks to slipping in the puddle in my doorway, but I didn't stop. I refused to stop, because Shannan could be in danger.

Out of the boys, Shannan was the one most likely to be targeted by assassins. In fact, Shannan had been at my workshop earlier, and only wasn't still there because I had sent him on his way. Now, I had to find him. I had to be certain. I had to see for myself he was well. If I was wrong, that was fine. If this was only my paranoia, that was fine. But until I knew, I couldn't stop. I couldn't think. I absolutely, absolutely, had to find him.

Footsteps caught my ear, and I glanced over to see Chulainn had caught up with me easily. He didn't say anything, but he did not try to stop me. I was glad for it. After all, others did try to stop me. The people we passed yelped, wondered what was going on, and tried to stop me to ask. After all, they knew me. They knew I didn't run anywhere, not normally. I had only run twice in the past: when Dew and Lex were in danger. I did not run, so they knew something had to be wrong if I was. But Chulainn kept them back, barking some order or another. I didn't know; I didn't care. I didn't even care if he'd figured out the same thing as me, or if he was keeping pace because he was my guard. I couldn't care. I had to concentrate on running as fast as I possibly could, running until my legs were numb and my chest felt like it was being devoured by flames. I had to focus on clinging to the two vials of antidote still in my hands and my staff. What thoughts I had were on one thing alone: the fastest route to the training yards, because that was where Shannan had headed when he left my workshop.

Logically, I knew it couldn't have taken long to reach the training yards. My workshop and infirmary were purposely located near in case of accidents. But it felt like an eternity before we even made it outside, much less to the yards. There, we discovered Lord Eldigan's assumption of another assassin was correct and, worse, so was my prediction of just who the target was. The third assassin… the only reason they didn't kill Shannan was because of Lex. They must have been chatting as they usually did, because Lex was always willing to humor Shannan, when the assassin appeared. Realizing the danger, Lex had shielded Shannan with his own body, holding him tightly to ensure not even a hair could be targeted. The three stab wounds bleeding profusely from his back made it all too clear how if not for the most inane of coincidences, Shannan would be dead.

As we drew close, Chulainn suddenly shifted in front of me. At first, I thought he was trying to block me, stop me from reaching them, and I looked at him incredulously since why would he stop me now? But he shook his head very slightly, and I understood. He wasn't telling me to stop. He knew I wouldn't. No, he was telling me to slow down. Let him run, while I fell back. That way… that way, he did not need to worry about me. That way, he could focus fully on the assassin, on getting them away from Lex and Shannan, and I would remain safe. So, I slowed, just a little. I slowed just enough. He smiled briefly, in thanks. Then his hard gaze locked onto the assassin and he passed me fully, a glint in his eyes not unlike a predator going for the kill.

Of course, slowing down only made my body ache and throb, protesting all the running. I felt dizzy, and each breath felt like I had swallowed shards of glass. But I shook my head, coughed and choked on air, and pushed forward on leadened legs. I reached them just after Chulainn clashed blades with the assassin and collapsed next to Lex so I could begin treatment at once. He was alive. He was pale and clammy, his breath ragged, and his expression pinched in pain. But he was alive. He was alive, and so was Shannan. Shannan was wild-eyed with panic, even paler than Lex from terror, but he was alive. He was uninjured. That was all that mattered right now.

"See, Shannan? I told you it'll be fine," Lex gasped out, somehow managing a laugh. I inspected his wounds and the second I sensed poison, I handed him one of the two vials of antidote. He popped it open easily and shifted to sit down properly, both so he could actually drink the antidote and to make it easier for me to treat him. He 'conveniently' kept Shannan in front of him, just in case. I didn't blame him, even if it sounded as if Chulainn had things under control. "I'm always right, you know."

"Th-that's not what Aunt Ayra s-says…" Shannan tried to reply. His voice shook; his hands shook more as he clutched Lex's shirt. "Y-you won't die, right? There… there's a lot of…"

"Nal blood gives me the standard Holy Blood boost to endurance and how much I can bleed, and the blood specific ability to withstand physical damage." Though the tone was a little arrogant, his words were gentle. "You know the stories; the shields of Soteria withstand even the most brutal of sieges, and Nal, who received her blessing, cannot be killed by weapons."

"Th-that doesn't mean anything! Even mountains grind away! And Deirdre said the strongest shields can be chipped! B-besides, Aunt Ayra told me recently Luna bypasses all defenses anyway!" Shannan's eyes filled with tears, so neither Lex nor I could ask what in the world 'Luna' was, much less point out the assassin likely didn't have whatever it was. "A-and there's… there's probably poison, so…"

"Which I admit sucks, and is definitely making everything feel like fire and ice are battling in my insides, but Shannan?" Lex used his free hand to point to me. I was glad to see his complexion was already better. "You really think Alicia's going to let me die?"

"...No…" He hiccuped and started crying. Lex tugged him closer for a hug, holding him as firmly as he could given he was still under the effects of the poison and he had three gaping wounds in his back. "I…"

"That's right. I won't die. Alicia's the most stubborn healer in all of Jugdral, and she's just as skilled as she is stubborn." Despite my worry and fatigue, I couldn't help but reach over and poke his cheek in mild protest. He gave me the biggest, cheekiest grin in return. "And from the sound of it, Chulainn is just about done with the assassin. We're all going to be just fine."

"I-is he hurt?"

"I wonder…" Lex tilted his head back to check. "No, the only one bleeding is the assassin, so given how these things usually work…"

"W-what do you mean 'usually'?!"

"Kid, this isn't exactly my first encounter with an assassin."

Personally, I wanted to ask more, if only to help me keep focused, but it soon became obvious what he meant. There was a loud clang and I looked up to see Chulainn had blocked another attempt from the assassin to stab one of us. At that point, the assassin glared and turned away to run, despite the blood gushing from their side. Chulainn watched them leave, his expression stoic, and I wondered why. I knew he could catch them. Even with battle-fever, a wound like that would slow them. He could catch them in no time at all, but once I thought for a second, I figured out why. Chulainn's task wasn't to kill the assassin; it was to protect us. If he had to kill the assassin to do so, he would without question. But chasing the assassin to kill them would result in him leaving our sides, and he would not do so because there had already been three assassins. We could not discount the possibility of a fourth or fifth. I did not fight, Shannan was too young to defend himself, and Lex was in no condition to do so. So, he chose to let the assassin go, and I had to admit part of me was irritated, even as I understood.

But that did not mean others would let them run.

"Don't you dare!" I had never heard Deirdre's voice so hard and furious. In fact, I might not have recognized it at all if not for the massive light spell which suddenly engulfed the fleeing assassin's leg and seared it into charcoal. "Don't you dare think you can get away!" I honestly thought she'd strike again, but it wasn't another light spell which hit the assassin next. It was a perfectly thrown spear, piercing through the assassin's arm as they crumpled to pin them to the ground. Confused, I turned back towards the castle and saw a furious Deirdre standing there at the far end of the yards, magic still at her fingertips. Beside her was a stone-faced Prince Quan, who shook out his arm and rolled his shoulder. It took me far too long to realize he had to be the source of the lance, though I wondered what he was doing here. Where had the lance even come from anyway?

"Deirdre and I passed Quan while chasing you, and he asked what was going on, since you apparently never run anywhere." The explanation, spoken in a calm if cold voice, came from Lord Eldigan, who joined us at a more sedate pace. The sweat on his face, though, hinted he'd been running too, and had only just stopped. "When we told him what happened, he immediately asked where Shannan was," he explained. Which direction had he come from? Had he run along the side while Deirdre and Prince Quan hung back to attack? "Ethlyn went to find Ayra, while we ran here, following your bloody footprints." He walked past us then, ruffling Shannan's hair and patting Lex on the shoulder, and stood over the pinned assassin. For some reason, they were struggling. Did they think they could escape with a lance through their arm? Even if they did, their leg looked unusable. "Why are you… oh, gods damn it…!" He lunged, trying to grab the assassin's free arm, but did not reach before they pulled something from their pocket and tossed it into their mouth. "Most people would be in too much pain to think of suicide after that!"

Suicide. The word crystallized and froze my blood, until I felt like I was nothing but ice. No, they weren't… wait, no, they were trying to escape. They were trying to escape in a different way than I originally thought. They had tried to kill a child, had traumatized a child, and now they took poison rather than live with what they had done. They took poison rather than face the consequences for their choices. They were running away from their actions.

A quiet part of me tried to whisper something about 'honor' and 'orders'. An assassin had their own sort of honor, and if they failed a job, then it only made sense they would kill themselves. They would want to minimize any chances of this being linked to their employer. Yes, a quiet part of me tried to reason, but the whispers were lost in the frozen flames boiling in my blood because it just… it just made me angrier. Orders? What did that matter? How dare their employer target a child? How dare their employer try to avoid any blame, any consequences? How. Dare. They?

In that frozen state, I snatched up the other vial of antidote and walked briskly over to the assassin. Their complexion was already pale and sickly, but they had a disgusting smirk on their face even as they did. It made the ice inside me burn more, and I was sickeningly pleased when I knelt down beside them and saw that smirk fade. It disappeared entirely when I hooked my fingers into their mouth and pried their jaw open. I knew a few tricks for this; Father Eirik had taught me when we had a patient who could not open their mouth voluntarily. As soon as I got it open, I popped open the vial and dumped all of its contents into their mouth. They coughed, tried to spit it out, but I held their mouth firmly shut, another trick from Father Eirik. It proved as effective for me as it always did for him; the assassin was forced to swallow the antidote and it had an immediate effect. Of course it did. The broad-spectrum antidote was so widely used precisely because it neutralized most poisons.

"Given the burns, it is possible your leg will need to be amputated, but we can see how well healing magic takes to the injury," I murmured, giving them a full examination. They stared at me like I was a monster. Maybe I was. "Your arm… I'll be surprised if it's not broken, so we should prepare a brace for it." They opened their mouth to spit out something, but Lord Eldigan pulled off his cravat and stuffed it into their mouth instead. "Hmm?"

"I want to minimize the chance of them pulling the classic 'bite their tongue off and choke on their blood' trick," he explained, kneeling beside me. He then, very casually, reached over and snapped the assassin's other arm as easily as one breathed. "And that is to ensure they don't pull out the makeshift gag."

"So, that is two broken arms I must heal then." I let a little irritation slip through my words, and Lord Eldigan smiled apologetically. "Pull the spear out, will you? I can't heal them with it stuck in their arm."

Lord Eldigan did as I asked, and I healed the assassin enough so they could be moved to a safe location. Prince Quan and Lord Eldigan handled that, the knowing and dark looks on their faces implying everything I absolutely did not want to think about right now. So, I forced myself to focus on the present, and returned to tending Lex's injuries. Chulainn stood behind me while I worked, watching our surroundings, and Deirdre had joined us to cradle Shannan in her arms and calm him down so Lex could focus more on his own healing.

My hands started to shake as I finished, but I forced myself to keep calm. I had to be calm. There was someone wounded, and many people distressed. So, I had to be calm. A healer could only be calm for her patients, even if they were people who loved her for herself. I wanted to be calm for them; I did not want them to add me to their worries. So, I would be calm. I would.

---

Later, I was sick. I managed to bite back the bile until I was alone in my room, but I was terribly sick as soon as I made it to my bathroom. Now, with nothing to focus on and no ice freezing my blood and thoughts, logic and fear told me the reason behind Prince Quan and Lord Eldigan's shared look. Logic and fear told me what I had done. I had… I had forced my healing on someone. It was something I had sworn to never do, a personal oath made as a child and held so I would never become like my father. Yet today, I had… I had healed someone who… w-well, it was my job to tend people and they had to be alive to refuse my… oh, there was no point to the thoughts. It was only my ego talking, trying to salvage my keening heart.

The assassin had tried to die. I had healed them against their wishes. Now, they were a prisoner and I knew enough to know they would be 'questioned'. I knew Grannvale approved of torture for interrogations. I would like to think Sigurd would not do so, but even as I wished this, I knew he would be kept away from it all precisely for that reason. So, I had healed a person, so they could be captured and tortured for information. I had healed them, and forced them to endure a fate far worse than death. I had… I…

I didn't know how long I sat in my bathroom, after I vomited my guts out. I didn't know how long I stared blankly at the floor, unable and unwilling to move. But, however long it was, someone eventually rested a gentle hand on my shoulder and startled me. I gasped and jerked my head up, apologies and excuses at my lips, but they died when I saw Chulainn standing over me, his hand still on my shoulder. He was silent, staring through me as he always did, and I looked away, both because I did not know what to say and because… well, I looked like a wreck. My throat hurt, my eyes still watered, my nose was clogged, and when I wiped my mouth, I found spittle clinging to my lips. When you considered I'd collapsed in a heap and my hair was in complete disarray… there truly was no other way to describe how I looked and it was absolutely idiotic to be concerned about such a thing. But I was, probably because there was actually something I could do about it. Eventually.

Chulainn did not say anything. His hand left my shoulder, only for him to gather me up in his arms and pick me up as easily as a doll. He carried me over to my table and gently set me down in the chair before heading to my tea set in the corner to fetch me some water. My first attempt to drink only made me cough and choke, far too aware now of the sour feeling in my mouth, and I ended up spitting out half of it. It was… utterly pathetic, but he didn't laugh. He didn't look annoyed. He just found some towels and cleaned up the mess, even helping me wipe the water from my chin, before he refilled my cup. Thankfully for what little remained of my dignity, my second attempt to drink turned out better, so while I sipped, he leaned against the window with crossed arms. He still stared through me, still studied me, and I wondered what he was trying to see. Another time, I might have asked, but right now, I couldn't. With my head feeling like a mire, all my thoughts sticking and unmoving, I couldn't.

"...What caused this?" he finally asked softly. I glanced at him, and thought he looked concerned. "Anyone else, I would say it was the blood or the deaths."

"Would you now?" I asked in return, my voice a rasp. My hands shook on the teacup, making the water within ripple. "Why?"

"It's admittedly just a guess, based on what I've heard and what I've seen, but as a healer, you see more blood and death than most. If you weren't able to keep your head about either, you would've switched professions long ago." He had a point. I carried the deaths, remembered the number always, but it was rare they actually shook me. They couldn't. Even as my nerves had frayed during my first weeks as an army healer and made me snappier, I knew they couldn't. Time spent mourning, time spent breaking down… that was time I could use to save another. Even when I'd broken down after the first wave of refugees, I'd made sure we were in a lull. I wasn't invincible or unfeeling, but death was my constant companion as a healer. Each one hurt, and they hurt more when I could put names to the faces, but they were not enough to shake me. They were motivation to do better. "It could be the danger in general, but if it was, I'd think you'd be like Deirdre and refuse to leave Shannan's side."

"Why are you asking?"

"I…" He looked away. "I want to know."

"Why?"

"I just… do." It was rare he was evasive. That told me one thing; this was personal. It did not coincide with his guard duties. He personally wanted to know.

The realization made me smile. "You'll think it silly."

"And you're the authority on what I think is silly?"

"Ha… no, I suppose not. Most would, I'm sure, but you're… not most." I made myself drink a little more of the water. The cup was still full of ripples. "...I healed them."

"The assassin."

"Yes. They didn't want healing, but I did it anyway." Unable to look at him, I fiddled with my tea cup and watched the water ripple further. "I… I've told you before, but I want to save everyone. I want to heal everyone."

"Yes, I called it foolish. You called it a poison."

"And it is. I will never be satisfied by my work, will always fall short of my expectations, yet I strive for it anyway. But everyone means everyone, Chulainn. It is not only those I like, or those who I know mean me no harm. It is everyone."

"Including assassins." From anyone else, I would say the words were exasperated. From him, though, they were only clarification. "But there was something different about it this time?"

"Yes, because…" How was I supposed to explain? "I do not want to force my ideal on another. I want to listen to a patient's wishes. If they decide they do not want care, then I should not give it. I can advise against it, explain why I would recommend a certain treatment, but if they refuse, it is their choice. It is always their choice." I forced myself to smile up at him. It felt painful and wrong. "But I didn't do that here. I didn't respect their wishes."

"But that still doesn't…" Chulainn frowned, but not out of annoyance. No, he truly wanted to understand, and tried to parse out what still felt murky. "You've healed suicide attempts in the past. I heard about it."

"I have. But Chulainn, in those cases, they were… they were supported and treated well. Sometimes, it still wasn't enough, but they were cared for. This time, though…" The shaking in my hands grew worse and my teacup slipped from them. "Ah…"

Chulainn caught the cup before it fell, only a little of the water splashing out. "It's what's going to happen to them. Grannvale, Leonster, and Agustria all use physical torture for interrogations. You healed someone, and they will not be treated well."

"I could try to pretend it's like the soldiers, who I healed and sent right back to the battlefield, but…" I did not try to take back the teacup, so he set it on the table. "The soldiers… they knew and were willing to accept the risks of going back out to fight. The assassin…" Even if they accepted the risks of capture and torture, it still… "And I… I didn't heal them because of my job or my ideals. I healed them because I was angry." I healed them, forced them to endure a pain worse than death, because I lost my temper.

"Because they targeted Shannan?"

"Because they tried to run away." Even now, I felt the cold creeping through my blood again. What a shame it could not 'freeze' my hands and stop them from shaking. "They attacked Shannan and tried to run away. They attacked a child and tried to escape. They made their choice, yet ran from the consequences. It…" It was hard to explain. "Though, I suppose you could say they were just following orders."

"Following unjust orders is cowardice." He said the words quickly yet firmly, a belief he did not even have to think about. "Nothing is inherently wrong or right with cowardice, mind. It depends on your personal beliefs, just like everything else. But to follow an order you have decided is wrong is cowardice, plain and simple. Though, this both assumes the assassin thought the order was wrong, and that they are not one of many who decide being 'right' or 'wrong' is completely meaningless so long as they survive." He said those last words so… sardonically. I could not help but wonder…

"What about you?" The words were out before I could stop them, and I looked away when he stilled. "I… I did it again, didn't I?" Of all the times for me to cross a boundary… "I'm sorry. I-"

"I… am a coward. I am a coward who cannot even figure out why he wants to survive. Only that each time Morena of Death has come for me, I have refused her hand and kept crawling through the mud." He said the words softly, each one dripping with bitter self-hatred. "And since I am reminded, you're right. I am actually from Isaach. I was surprised since most would guess Agustria or Verdane because of my hair color."

"Ayra and Shannan do both have dark hair."

"Most of Isaach does. My mother was actually from Agustria, and I inherited my hair color from her." He paused and shook his head for some reason. "Why do I always say too much around you?"

"I don't know?" Strangely, the admission cheered me. I couldn't even tell you why. "I think it's the army. I speak my thoughts aloud far too much, especially around Sigurd."

"I think it's you, since I'm capable of being very quiet around everyone else." He sounded almost annoyed by it, but his smile was soft. "How are you feeling?"

"...I don't know." But even that was better than before. "I should…"

"Can you work with your hands shaking so much?"

"...Well, no…" I held up my hands to confirm they still shook. I didn't think I could even sew like this. "I… at the least, I should make sure Lex is actually resting."

"Fair." He held out his hand and, after a moment's hesitation, I took it to let him help me up. My legs didn't quite want to bear my weight yet, but they were steady enough. "We'll walk slowly."

"Yes." There was no other choice, unless I wanted to be carried again. "Chulainn?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

I had to lean on Chulainn to walk. It was terribly pathetic, but it was the only way I managed. He didn't complain; he simply supported me as we walked to Lex's room. I didn't have the words to tell him how much I appreciated it, especially since I knew either forcing me to rest or carrying me would make things so much easier for him. I hoped I could convey it someday, but for now, I focused on keeping one foot in front of the other, until we made it to Lex's strangely lively room. Why was it lively? Well, it seemed Ayra had taken it upon herself to ensure Lex stayed abed, and those two couldn't do anything quietly.

"Honestly, if nothing else, you should trust Alicia and listen to her orders," Ayra sighed, shaking her head as she shoved him back into the bed. Lex scowled at her and tried to stand up again. "Besides, you'll need your strength. I wrote Azelle about what happened."

"You did what?!" Lex yelped, eyes going wide. Ayra met his gaze coolly and pointedly pulled the blankets over his lap. "Oh, gods' blood, Ayra, it is not bad enough to write to him about it!"

"I figured he'd want to know his best friend got stabbed three times. And poisoned." She smiled with all the sweetness of a belladonna berry. "And I knew it would be an effective threat, so I sent it off as soon as I heard."

"This is not how you thank someone for saving your nephew!"

"Sure it is. I want to make sure you'll listen to a healer's orders." Her grin was full of unrepentant mischief. "What is with you Grannvalian nobles and wanting to circumvent anyway? In Isaach, we're taught to listen and obey."

"Do you actually do so?"

"I'll have you know I did my best to listen to Alicia and get confirmations about what I could or could not do during my healing." This was true, though… "Now, did my stubbornness get in the way? Of course. But I tried. Meaning I'm forcing you to try too."

"You still didn't have to write Azelle!" Lex scowled, fixated on that little tidbit. "Ugh… I'm going to get at least five letters with him all in a panic, and then ten from Tailtiu because he definitely will tell her."

"Consider it punishment for standing still long enough for three stabs. I'm grateful you protected Shannan, but was there not a way to avoid at least the second and third ones?"

"Look, it's not my fault the assassin decided to get stab happy on my back. I don't know why they didn't run after the first one either!" This was around the time I wondered if I should just leave, since I was just standing awkwardly in the doorway, but Chulainn decided to knock on the open door to let the two know they had company. "Huh? Alicia?"

"I'm sorry to intrude," I whispered, doing my best to smile. I could only imagine how I looked right now; I hoped it was at least better than earlier. "I wanted to see if you were resting like I asked. Your wounds may be minor, all things considered, but I'm worried about how the poison might affect their healing."

"Uh… yeah, sure, I'm being a perfect little patient," Lex replied, adjusting his blankets to make it seem like he had not been trying to get out of bed earlier. To be fair, he didn't know I'd seen that. "And I did drink the antidote you gave me, remember? So I feel fine. No fire or ice in my insides anymore."

"That's good." I crept over and rested my hand on his forehead to check for a fever. Chulainn quietly talked to Ayra about something and the two busied themselves with making tea in the corner. Ayra kept glancing at me over her shoulder, for some reason. "I am a little worried one of the poisons could have disrupted your blood's ability to clot, given the amount of blood earlier."

"Er… I solemnly swear my wounds are clotting just fine, or they were when Ayra changed my bandages a second ago." He studied me and patted his bed as a silent invitation to sit. There were no chairs, after all. "Are… are you all right?"

"Hmm?" Pretending I had no idea what he was talking about, I sat down beside him. "Lex, I'm not exactly the one who was stabbed. Thrice."

"Well, no, but you're pale." He poked my cheek, frowning worriedly. "Think you may be a little clammy too." It would not surprise me, but I definitely couldn't answer.

"Oh, I fear exercise and I do not get along, and I ran quite a distance to the training yards."

"They're not far from the infirmary or your workshop."

"It's quite far for me!" They were easy enough lies, since they were technically true. They just weren't the answer to his question. "I'm the scholarly type, remember?"

"Yes, yes, and I know you can endure a lot." He frowned, but shook his head. "Well, if you're insistent, I won't press. Just don't neglect your own health, will you? You're as bad as Arvis and Azelle when it comes to taking care of yourself. Sometimes I wonder if it's the fire in you. Fire burns itself out without outside tending, after all."

I had absolutely no idea how to respond to that, so I didn't try. "How are you? Are you in pain?"

"A little, but not enough for pain medicine. I'm more pissed off than anything." His eyes hardened, and he gripped his blankets so tight his knuckles whitened. "Shannan cried himself to sleep. Deirdre's sitting with him now, desperate for something to do. She can't help Sigurd with reorganizing the defenses, after all, and he's been doing that since he confirmed everyone was all right." I would check on them when I left here, then. "I can't decide if I should hope Quan gets information out of the bastard or not."

"Oh?" It was all I could say as my insides twisted into knots.

"I want to know who these bastards are, but I may just pull a Sigurd if I do." If he gripped his blanket any tighter, I feared he'd rip it. "Attacking a child like that… look, there are lines that shouldn't be crossed and that right there is one of them, damn it."

"This healer recommends against charging recklessly while injured, even if you are of Nal's blood." I had to work to keep my voice light, but it had the effect of calming him anyway. "We will all decide together. It might be safer…"

"To not react. Ayra was saying something like that earlier." How long had she been here? "My head can listen, but the rest of me? I'm not one to run from a fight."

"Is it running when you're holding back to protect?"

"...Logically, no. Emotionally…" He sighed gustily, shaking his head. "Calm, calm… I'll totally be calm in the morning. If I'm not, I'll make it worse for Shannan. I know he's going to fuss."

"Let us dote on the protective hero."

"Urgh… I hate fuss…"

"Then try not to get stabbed three times."

"It's not my fault they decided to be persistent after losing the element of surprise! What assassin does something that stupid?"

"I wouldn't know, but considering two attacked my workshop while Chulainn, Deirdre, Lady Ethlyn, and Lord Eldigan were there..."

"Wait, hold on, when did this happen?"

"Did no one tell you? They went after him in my workshop first." I paused, remembering something not-terribly-important but easy to fixate on. "I'll need to clean."

"You have got to be kidding me."

"No?" I frowned, and frowned more at his incredulous stare. "There was a lot of blood, and poor Lady Ethlyn vomited in the corner after helping Chulainn and Lord Eldigan examine the bodies." What had Chulainn removed from the corpse anyway? Had it been their own stash of poisons? "Maybe I should-"

"They went after him at your workshop?!" Lex made to rise and I hastily brought my hands up to try and stop him. "I'm going to kill them!"

"They're already dead?"

"I'll kill them again!"

"Calm down; you're making your injuries worse." Since my words had little effect, I decided it was time for a low blow. "Then Shannan will be even more upset."

"..." He scowled, but closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm down. "Sorry..."

"What for? Anger is healthy." Still, I needed to make sure he didn't have another outburst until his wounds were fully healed. Thankfully, there was a very convenient distraction.

"Here you two go." Specifically, Ayra came over with a tray, two steaming tea cups balanced perfectly on it. Chulainn headed for the door, standing half in and half out to keep an eye on things. "It's that tea mix you like so much, Lex," she explained, setting the tray between us. "You haven't said what it is yet."

"I haven't?" Lex replied, surprised. I passed him one of the mugs, and cradled the other one in my hands to take comfort from the warmth. "It's no secret. It's the one Alicia tailored for me, so it doesn't have a name."

"Oh, right, Azelle said Alicia makes teas for loved ones. That's why he didn't think anything about her making a tea for Sigurd, despite the rest of the army being convinced it was a token of love." She said the words absently, and I could feel my expression flatten. Her slight, mischievous smile made me think she brought it up on purpose, just to mess with me. "There's a pot full, but I figured it better to carry just the cups over."

"Probably a good idea, though I really can't believe I never told you about the mix."

"Maybe I forgot." Her smile grew and now I was all-but-certain. No, she didn't forget. She made an excuse to tease me. I frowned at her without thinking about it, and she laughed. "Sorry?"

"You are so not sorry, about that and whatever you just did." He raised a brow, and Ayra put on the most innocent of looks. I tried to think of how to get her back, but slowly began to realize I now had the perfect excuse to ask a question I had earlier. "Did you spike the tea or something?"

"Of course not! I'm not giving alcohol to an injured person."

"Some would say that is precisely the time for alcohol, actually."

"Absolutely not!"

"Hey, Ayra, what's your favorite tea?" I asked, changing the subject entirely. She looked at me curiously. "I noticed you only brought two cups, and while you'll drink tea when it's served to you, you rarely drink it on your own."

"Oh, Isaachian tea is a little different from Grannvale's, no sachets or ground up herbs," Ayra answered easily. I noticed movement in the corner of my eye and glanced back to see Chulainn eyeing me warily. He knew exactly why I brought the topic up, and I couldn't help but feel a little smug as I turned my attention back to Ayra. "My favorite… well, truthfully, I have two favorites. One is a favorite from my childhood and the other became my favorite after…"

"I take it the former is one you enjoyed with Setanta?"

"Yes, so you can imagine how hard it was to drink after he disappeared." Still, she smiled at the memories. "That one is pleorula tea." Oh, so it was the same as Chulainn's favorite? This felt more than a little convenient, but I would very much take advantage of this anyway. "The latter is krinina blossom tea. Both only grow in Isaach, sadly."

"You can still tell me what they taste like and how they are made, yes?" I smiled, feeling invigorated by the thought. "I know I won't be able to make it exact, but perhaps I can make something close?"

"I… oh, very well." Though she sighed in exasperation, she had a slight smile on her face as she sat down on the other side of Lex's bed. "If it puts more color in your face, I'll tell you anything." Oh, she must have been worried by how pale I was.

"Why are you so nice to her and mean to me when I'm technically the invalid?" Lex teased, grinning. He laughed when she glared. "That's a much better look than the apologetic one you had when you first walked in to help me."

"Lex!" Ayra snapped, glare deepening. But Lex laughed more, and I had to bite back one myself. "Ugh, you just be quiet and drink your tea."

"Yeah, yeah."

It was probably the liveliest tea discussion I'd ever experienced, but it was… it was exactly what I needed after today. I wondered if they knew.

---

You would think after the 'excitement' of the day, I would pass out as soon as my head hit the pillow. Alas, you would be wrong, and after what felt like hours of tossing and turning, I gave up to make myself some tea and sit at my table. I tried to study, but couldn't focus. I tried reading the tale Prince Kurth bought me, but while I made it a little farther, I still found myself reading lines ten or even twenty times to make sense of them. All the words just blended together. So, I attempted to write my reply to Prince Kurth, which was surprisingly easier and harder than I thought it would be. Figuring out how to respond to the gift of the tale was difficult, so I settled on simply being honest. I didn't know what to feel about it, but I was reading it slowly and hoped to have an answer by the time I finished. From there, the next hardest was a request of my own. He was near Isaach, and had access to many merchants, so perhaps he might find me some Isaachian tea? I didn't know, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

After that, the rest… came naturally. It was much easier to write than the first reply. I wrote about the lessons I gave and what bits of the wedding we had planned. I wrote how happy Deirdre had been at the gifts, and how she was using Hiordis's necklace as the 'something old' part of an Agustrian wedding rhyme for good luck. I wrote how adorable Altena and Ares were, and how much Ethlyn had liked the blanket I'd made. I wrote how I'd finished Deirdre's veil and would be making a coat and cape for Finn. I asked if people really did call me the 'Red Rose Healer', and grumbled about how the rumors really needed to stop assigning me romances. I wrote… I wrote many things, all as random as could be. It wasn't a very precise letter, but somehow, I doubted he'd mind.

As I wrote, though, a terrible thought wormed its way through my head, twisting and curling until it coiled uneasily in my heart. Assassins. The assassins had targeted Shannan. Given the current conflict, they had to be Grannvalian and Sigurd once said there were four houses which specialized in assassinations: Velthomer, Dozel, Fridge, and the royal house of Belhalla. While the assassins could be from anywhere, the fact that the target was the Crown Prince of Isaach hinted they were from one of these four houses. Yet I already knew they couldn't be from Velthomer. Arvis would never. He knew how much I adored Shannan, and if Shannan was hurt or killed, I would be inconsolable. Ignoring his morals, and how much he hated the idea of a child paying for a parent's 'crime', he wouldn't hurt Shannan for my sake.

What of the others, though? Dozel, Friege, and Belhalla… I didn't have such guarantees for them. Duke Lombard struck me as a pragmatic man; I could see him harming a child if it meant accomplishing his goals. Duke Reptor was well known for his harsh treatment of any 'threat' to himself, his power, or Grannvale. Then there was Prince Kurth himself, who once told me it was the duty of those who warred to end the fighting as quickly as possible, by any means necessary. I knew enough of battles to know morale played a key part in any fight, and if Shannan died, their morale would plummet. It may even shatter Mariccle and force him into surrendering.

…But I… I didn't want to believe Prince Kurth was involved. Perhaps it was childish, but I didn't. The man Cigyun had loved, the man my mother had liked and died to protect, the man even someone like Father Eirik respected… I didn't want to believe he'd order a child's execution. He hadn't even brought up using Shannan as a hostage; he only used the implication and stopped when it became clear the tactic would not work. Now, granted, it could've been its own sort of pragmatism, since Sigurd would fight to the death to protect Shannan, but he still hadn't. I wanted to believe…

With shaking hands, I found another piece of paper and scrawled out a very short description of what had happened today. It was nearly illegible, but I didn't, couldn't, rewrite it. I watched the ink dry and as soon as it was, I folded the paper as small as I could and folded it into my 'true' letter. Then, I sealed both in an envelope before I could reconsider, and let it fall to the table. In the morning, I would send them. In the morning… ah, but morning was still so far away and now, I had nothing to do. I could try to sleep again, but I already knew it was a lost cause. I was too shaky, too rattled, to sleep.

"I suppose… I can go for a walk," I whispered aloud, because saying the words felt better than simply thinking them. There was a certain resolve in spoken word, and with it, I found the energy to push myself up and find a shawl to wrap around my shoulders.

It wasn't until I actually opened my door that I remembered Chulainn once told me he trapped it every night, but by then, it was open and I braced myself for some sort of loud noise. There… wasn't one, though. I lingered in the doorway, wondering if it was a delayed reaction, but that made no sense. I wondered if Chulainn had lied, joking around, but that made even less sense. So, maybe he'd been too tired to trap it? I wouldn't say it made perfect sense, but it felt more probable than the other two options. Whatever the reason, I was grateful. I didn't want to bother him, especially if he was so tired. It was just a walk. I'd be back before anyone knew I was gone. It was fine. It would be fine.

Silently repeating those words over and over again, I wandered. I didn't have a destination. I simply wanted to move, to tire myself out in hopes I might sleep and put this day behind me. I didn't run into anyone, a testament to how late it truly was, and I did not like how quiet Evans apparently was at night. Evans shouldn't be quiet. Everyone was always bright and loud, filled with vivacious cheer and Evans always reflected such. Though, the more I walked, the more unnerved I became by not only the quiet but because I really would've thought I'd run into some patrolling guards by now. Where were they? Were they distracted? Were they hurt? The thoughts screamed in circles in my head, and simultaneously exhausted me and made it impossible to even think of sleep.

Finally, I turned down a random hallway and saw a faint light streaming from one of the rooms. It took my tired, rattle mind far too long to realize it was Sigurd's office and if there was a light there, he clearly had to be working on something. It wasn't good for him to be working so late, so I should see if I could help. Even if I couldn't, I could at least make him some tea and maybe we could talk a little? Deciding it was better than wandering aimlessly and desperate for some sort of noise and company, I headed for the room and brought my hand up to knock as soon as I got close. However, I didn't knock. For one thing, the door was open. For another… well, when I peeked inside, I saw Sigurd was there, just as I suspected. He sat at his desk with an uncomfortably resigned look on his face, and he was not alone. At his side, half-perched on the desk, was Lord Eldigan, stoic as can be. Prince Quan leaned against the nearby wall, and his face and eyes were the coldest and hardest I had ever seen. And standing just inside the door was Chulainn. On the surface, he was as expressionless as ever, but this time, I knew there was something different. There was something sharp to his gaze, even sharper than the day we met, and it only emphasized the main reason why I froze: the tension roiling in the room. It was like a stormcloud about to burst.

"It's rare you're far from Alicia, Chulainn," Sigurd murmured, doing his best to smile. It didn't quite work and, unfortunately, it only made the tension build. I may have stood outside the room, barely peeking in, but I couldn't breathe from it. "I would think, given earlier…"

"Arden asked if I'd help with patrols," Chulainn explained, his own voice soft. Yet somehow, the softness only made him seem sharper. I should move away, stop eavesdropping, but my legs were locked in place. They wouldn't obey me at all. "Since Alicia should be asleep in her room, I agreed. I passed by, saw the candlelight, and had a guess as to what you three were discussing so late at night."

"Oh?"

"There's a prisoner to interrogate, after all." He said it lightly, but the words made my stomach twist into knots again. I... I could not be sick. I could not be sick here. I did not want them to know I was here. "It's not a comfortable subject, so what else would be discussed in the dark of night where few will overhear?" Yet here I was, eavesdropping. My luck was terrible.

"I…" Sigurd faltered and looked away. My stomach dropped. "Yes, the assassin who was caught is in the dungeons right now, under guard. Naoise, to be specific. Quan and Eldigan were… advising me on what to do."

"Then, since I am correct, might I make a request?" Well, this was strange. Chulainn rarely asked for anything. "Now, granted, this request is made under the assumption the usual routine of physical torture for interrogation will be followed." Sigurd didn't answer, his discomfort palpable. "Or, rather, the assumption those around you will do such, with or without your permission."

"What…" Sigurd's voice was a croak. He didn't like this. There was some comfort in that. "What is the request, Chulainn?"

"Leave Alicia out of it." …Why… why would I even be…?

"She's our strongest healer," Prince Quan noted cooly. I would have never expected someone who usually laughed and smiled so warmly could be so frozen. "It would be foolish to not have her heal them." I… what were they…?

"You plan to have her heal the prisoner, so you can continue torturing them for information," Chulainn growled, noticeably bristling. Meanwhile, I could only freeze. I… if I thought logically, I was forced to admit it would make sense. Yet I… I… "I know the game. It's not just pain which breaks a person. It's the constant lingering on death's door, only to be dragged right back."

"You know more than most."

"Lords like to hire mercenaries for this sort of thing. It keeps their hands clean, and their knights maintain plausible deniability." Chulainn shrugged, seemingly unbothered, but I remembered what he had said earlier, how he had called himself a coward. Was this…? "And I already know most would consider it foolish to not assign their strongest healer to this. That's why it's a request."

"Said while you're glaring like a wolf ready to bear fang." Prince Quan was still frozen despite the scoff to his words. Chulainn only smirked very slightly, like he found the phrase amusing. Meanwhile, said phrase let me figure out what was so different about Chulainn right then. There was something wild to him, something which would not be tamed or cowed. And he had every intention of making sure everyone knew how foolish it would be to cross him. "Sorry, I should probably say 'hound', shouldn't I?"

"Ah, so that did come up."

"It didn't take Alec long, no." What in the world were they...? "And Eldigan and I have both heard of the mercenary dubbed 'Death's Hound'."

"One of the many ridiculous things people attach to me, because they decided I was not, and could not, be human." I could not keep track of this conversation; I could only take solace in how Sigurd looked as uncomfortable with this as I felt. "Regardless, no, it is a request, and not one to you."

"That-"

"Chulainn, I assure you, Alicia is not going to be involved," Sigurd whispered, heading off another exchange. Prince Quan frowned; Chulainn relaxed ever-so-slightly. Lord Eldigan did not react one way or the other. He'd been passively watching this whole time, after all. "I was just refusing the suggestion when you came in." Prince Quan opened his mouth, no doubt to protest, but Sigurd shook his head. "No, I will not change my mind. There is nothing you can say to force it."

"Indeed, and Quan, if you are so insistent, perhaps you might ask Ethlyn instead," Lord Eldigan agreed, his own words sharp despite the even tone. He smiled when Prince Quan did not respond. "My friend, you have a tendency to let your pragmatism run away from your sense and morals when you are angry. I know you are livid at what Shannan suffered, but we both know the second your ire fades, you'll be nauseous. Let Sigurd protect both you and her." Prince Quan actually glared, annoyed, but Lord Eldigan shook his head. "We are not in the Munster District. We're not facing Travant. Calm down." At that, Prince Quan stilled and remained silent, a small bit of contriteness flitting through the ice in his eyes. "If I am to be truthful, I am still surprised she healed the assassin at all. Most would be content on letting them die a painful death."

"Alicia heals everyone." Sigurd smiled bitterly. "I hate to think of how ill she must've been earlier, when she realized what would happen." Ha… he knew me well.

"And this is why Quan sent me a note bemoaning how there are now two of you." Eldigan smiled faintly; Sigurd did his best to return it. "Regardless, Chulainn..."

"That's all I wanted to ask, so I'll go ahead and take my leave," Chulainn said, bowing his head slightly. The sense of something 'wild' about him faded, and he was back to the irritable stoicism I was used to. "Halls are clear, by the way."

"A moment more, Chulainn?" Sigurd requested just as Chulainn took a step back. He still looked uncomfortable. "Thank you for thinking of Alicia."

"Well, you did hire me to guard her." …There was a strangely cold feeling in my heart at the words. I couldn't think of why. "That includes from your allies."

"I can still thank you for it, since most would not think to protect her heart." When Sigurd smiled this time, it finally looked real. "Oh, and I told Alec to stop badgering you."

"I doubt he will, especially if he picked up that damn moniker."

"He will, because I will order it. After all, I don't need more information." His smile grew, and Chulainn frowned. "I judge the man I see before me, and I know he is worthy of my trust. Alec need not concern himself with more. Besides, he has other tasks I need him to focus on."

"...I fear I must agree with your friends. You and her are really two of a kind." With those as his parting words, Chulainn left the room and closed the door behind him. As soon as it clicked shut, he turned and looked right at me. I tried to smile, maybe even make a sheepish apology, but I could not remember how to force even the perfect-healer-smile. For the first time in my life, I couldn't.

But, eventually, I managed to croak out, "Good evening?" My voice was so terribly small. "I..."

"I knew someone was out here, but for some reason, it did not occur to me it would be you," he murmured, gently nudging me down the hall. I stumbled, but managed to keep upright. "Most would pass out after the day you had."

"I wish I could, but I could not sleep." I clutched my shawl, but no matter how tightly I wrapped it around me, it could not chase away the cold feeling settling in my bones. Oh, why couldn't this chill numb me as my anger did? "I thought a walk might tire me."

"So, you walk through the halls, alone, mere hours after assassins attacked." Why did people always say such things like they were the dumbest thing in the world? "I knew I should've trapped your door before going on patrol."

"I was wondering."

Neither of us spoke after that. Chulainn simply remained at my side while I picked the most random of directions and walked. Eventually, we ended up outside in the gardens and I found a bench where I could sit down. He stood next to me, and reached down to help adjust my shawl when the wind gusted through. I couldn't even smile to thank him. All I could do was fixate on everything that happened today, and what I overheard.

"...Would…?" I finally rasped, breaking through the silence. It took everything I had to force out this one question. "Would Prince Quan have truly…?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly. His gentle, even hesitant, hand rested on my back. "Pragmatism dictates he should and out of those three, he is the one with the most experience with war and assassins. Agustria may have territorial disputes, but Leonster's constant battles with Thracia are on a different level entirely. He's far too used to being unable to afford a single disadvantage. Travant is as brutal as the dragons Thracia is famous for, an opportunist who will exploit any and every chink their defenses."

"I see." I could only smile bitterly. "I..."

"But you're not like that. You're an idealist, one who does not wish to impose your ideals on another. You refuse to force others to help you in your quest to save everyone, and you do not force your supposed salvation on them." He ducked down a little, just enough for me to see his faint smile. "Sigurd is an idealist as well. While I was approaching, I heard him arguing with Quan about the interrogation, and insisting other methods be used first."

"I'd prefer it if they did." I could understand there was likely no chance of information without it. But I still... "I think it's better to exhaust all other options first."

"Whereas taking that time may lead to you losing any leads at all. Hence why Quan wants to strike quickly and brutally. Eldigan was acting as a buffer for them, since he's someone who is decidedly in the middle when it comes to ideals and pragmatism."

"That fits what I overheard." But this reminded me. There was… there was something I should say, something more important than questions and explanations. "Chulainn?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you." I smiled up at him, the best I could manage at this moment. I doubted it was a very good smile, but I could at least give it all my effort. "I know you said it was only an extension of your guard work, but I do appreciate you speaking on my behalf."

"I was only being a busybody." It was unsurprising he tried to dismiss what he did. "Sigurd never would've considered it."

"But even though you knew, you still went to make sure, and you still argued for my sake. So, thank you."

Chulainn didn't answer, only looked up to gaze at the moon and stars, but I didn't mind. I had a feeling it was how he tried to avoid his embarrassment, so I let the silence fall, enjoying it now. To my surprise, it wasn't long at all before I started to yawn and doze off. I knew I should try to stay awake, if only to walk to my room, but now that sleep had sunk its claws in me, it did not want to let go. As I swayed on the bench, trying desperately to not fall asleep right then and there, Chulainn solved the problem by picking me up and carrying me back to my room. I think I managed an apology; I hoped I did. But if I did, he didn't respond. Instead, as I drifted off, I swore I heard the most beautiful of lullabies and I wanted so desperately to ask about it. Maybe I would, one day.

---

Most castles would have a gloomy atmosphere in the wake of an assassination attempt, and Evans Castle was no exception. That is, it wasn't until Lady Edain and Sir Midir arrived from Yngvi, a couple weeks sooner than expected since they'd heard what happened from Lady Ethlyn. Lady Edain was absolutely determined to throw off the pall of worry, and she did so by diving headfirst into wedding preparations and dragging the rest of us with her. It was near impossible to fret with everything she insisted had to be done as soon as possible and before long, the cheer I usually associated with Evans Castle returned. The only difference now was Shannan was not allowed to wander anywhere alone anymore, but thankfully, he did not protest. In fact, he stayed at Lex's side until I cleared him. Twice. Only then did he resume his usual activities.

But if I thought the preparations from before were enough to make my head spin, I had no words for how my head felt now. I honestly thought it had taken less time and preparation to run the army! Every day there was some color to pick, some fitting to be done, some food to discuss, and it honestly got to the point where I was smiling and nodding at everything that did not involve potential safety hazards because I could not keep up in the slightest.

"Alicia, you're absolutely refusing lace, correct?" Lady Edain asked, bright-eyed and laughing. My head may be spinning, but she was definitely thriving in all this chaos. At least today it was only her and me with the seamstresses in the fitting room. Chulainn wisely stayed by the door, out of the way. "None whatsoever?"

"If you insist there must be lace, then it cannot be on the sleeves," I answered, doing my best to keep perfectly still. After all, I was being measured again for my dress and did not want to make things harder for the seamstresses. "But I think I would prefer none at all." I still remembered the lace sleeves of the dress I wore to the Festival of Flowers. I hated it, and hated even more that I had not covered my Mark.

"Then none it shall be!" She smiled, perfectly fine, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I did wonder why she asked, vaguely remembering something about 'lace being in fashion', but it didn't matter. She listened. "Hmm… you should have a shawl for it as well. It can get chilly at night, and really, you just look so elegant with a shawl."

"I need a shawl?" I supposed it made sense, and it made even more sense to have one custom-made for the occasion. Yet even as I thought it… "Do I need a new one? There's one I think will match the dress well enough."

"Oh?"

"Yes, it's one Prince Kurth commissioned for my birthday." The thought had been random, but I had to admit it was appealing. "I have worn it in the past, so maybe it won't suit, but…"

"Let me see it later to be sure, but I'm sure it'll work out~!" She grinned and darted to the other side of the room for whatever reason. I had no idea what. I just stood here in the middle and let the seamstress do her measurements. It was the fifth time, but I couldn't blame them for wanting to be certain. I knew I'd do the same in their scenario. "What colors are the shawl?"

"It's dark blue, with light blue flowers embroidered on it."

"Oh, that should be perfect with your dress then." In another blink, she was messing with something in a different part of the room. I closed my eyes so I could stop trying to figure out where she was and what she was doing. My head hurt. I didn't even know why she was the one asking these questions instead of the seamstresses. "Seems you lost a little bit of weight since the last fitting. Have you been eating well?"

"Yes, but I have been walking more."

"Right, right, Ethlyn said you took up the habit. We should go on a walk together later!"

"I don't mind, if you can tear yourself away from the wedding preparations long enough."

"Oh, but it's fun!" I genuinely could not see how. "And I have practice, since I helped plan Ethlyn's." I thought her insane for being willing to endure this for more than one person. I was never going to be involved in wedding preparations again. "Hmm… you know…" All at once, though, her tone somehow became a cross of 'serious' and 'impish', and I opened my eyes to see her expression matched. Not only did it match, but for some reason, her gaze was fixed on Chulainn. "He should get a new outfit too." For a split-second, I wondered if I heard correctly. I only realized I did when Chulainn's eyes widened. "Yes, indeed, so we should get his measurements too!" She clapped her hands and a seamstress appeared at her side with a knotted rope. "Chulainn, hold still, will you?"

He very much did not hold still. Still wide-eyed, he ducked away from the seamstress, snagged my hand, and promptly dragged me right out of the room. I struggled to get my feet under me as I tried to wrap my head around what just happened, which was not made any easier by Lady Edain's laughing protests and one of the seamstresses actually trying to chase us down. Unfortunately for her, Chulainn and I knew far more about the layout of the castle than she did, and before long, we not only escaped her, but made our way through the empty gardens for a walk. Only then did everything finally process, and I burst into laughter.

"I'm sorry!" I gasped out through my laughter, doing my best to muffle it. It was hard, though, because I was laughing so much. "I know I shouldn't, but I don't think I've ever seen you look so panicked before, Chulainn."

"Why did they need my measurements? I'm just going as your guard," Chulainn grumbled, visibly annoyed. He kept a careful eye on our surroundings, like he expected Lady Edain or a seamstress to pop out of the bushes. "I don't need another outfit. So long as I look neat, why would anyone care?"

"I don't know?" I fanned my face, trying to calm down. I was smiling too much; my cheeks hurt. "I would say it is because you will be near me, but I doubt anyone will pay me any mind once the ceremony ends."

"Right, because who wouldn't pay attention to the maid of honor with so many rumors surrounding her?" He grumbled more under his breath, and I had to decide between continuing my laughter or frowning at him. "This is only your second public appearance, isn't it?"

"Ah, yes?"

"...Never mind, I understand why she got the idea in her head." Well, I was glad one of us did. "However, I'm refusing. It's bad enough watching you go through that torture. I'm not enduring it. I knew I should've arranged an escape sooner." Well, now I was right back to laughing. "Why so many fittings anyway? I'll never understand this sort of fuss."

"They just want to be sure, given how many they have to make. Everyone wants everything to be perfect."

"Nothing is perfect."

"That's no excuse to avoid striving for it anyway." I might have said more, but the sudden cry of a bird caught my ear and I looked up curiously since it was so close. Not even a second later, the bird, whatever it was, swooped far too close and I ducked behind Chulainn to avoid it. "What in the world?"

"Well, now, this is interesting." Seemingly unsurprised, Chulainn held out his arm without fear to let the bird land delicately on his arm despite the complete lack of protective wear. Weren't people supposed to wear leather gauntlets or something for this sort of thing? Those talons looked really sharp! "A white falcon, one with fine feathers indeed."

"Chulainn, I swear, if you hurt yourself like this, I'm going to be mad." Cautiously, I peeked out from behind Chulainn to frown at the falcon. It mostly ignored me, preening its feathers and seeming remarkably relaxed, but it eventually stuck out its leg and I finally noticed the small piece of paper tied to it. "Oh?"

"Not only a fine feathered friend, but a messenger." He gently petted the bird, and it immediately pressed its head into his hand to silently demand more pets. "Your brother's again?"

"No, all of Arvis's falcons have black feathers." I hesitated, not inclined to bring my hands close to those sharp talons when I didn't know the bird, but it seemed perfectly content with Chulainn's pets, so I carefully untied the note and unrolled it. There was no signature, but I… I recognized the writing. "Prince Kurth?" I looked around surreptitiously and finding no one, I sat on the closest bench and smoothed out the note in my lap to read. It was terribly rude to Chulainn, but I… I had to read this at once.

'I am appalled someone would target the boy. I made a subtle mention to the other dukes, both about the assassins and how you had healed one of them. Byron and Ring were outraged, and Lombard scoffed at the idiocy of attacking Sigurd indirectly when we're facing a skilled opponent. Reptor paid lip service, but I noticed him stiffen when I revealed one was still alive. As such, I sent word to my father and Arvis to keep an eye on Friege. I fear with the war this is all I can do, Mariccle is too strong of a foe for me to risk divisions, but I hope it will discourage a second attempt.'

That was it. That was all it said. Yet I sagged with relief upon reading the words. Yes, he could be lying. It was only written word, easy to write and easier to fool, but it still made me feel better about trusting him. So, with a small smile, I folded the note up as small as I could, and looked up to try and apologize to Chulainn for my rudeness. Given how focused he was on the bird, though, I didn't think he actually minded, so instead, I wondered what I should do now. Should I send a reply? How would I? I really didn't know, and though it was terrible of me, I looked around again to see if I could find some sort of distraction. It was then Chulainn gestured to catch my attention and nodded to the person standing nearby, Prince Quan. I did not know when he arrived, but he had the most hesitant look on his face now, and I half-thought he was ready to bolt. I wondered why; it was the first time I'd seen him since the assassination attempt.

"He just came around the corner," Chulainn whispered, catching me up. By all appearances, he was absorbed in the bird, but I knew he was paying close attention to what Prince Quan did. "Better move quickly if you want to talk to him. He's been running from you for the past few days." Ah, so he'd been avoiding me? I wondered why. Well, there was only one way to find out.

I smiled at Chulainn, hopped to my feet, and headed over to Prince Quan to speak to him myself. "It feels like it's been a while, Prince Quan," I greeted, smiling at him. He did not smile back as he usually did. In fact, he looked more uncomfortable. "Are… are you not feeling well?" I reached up and rested my hand on his forehead to check for a fever. "No fever... that's good. You were with the children, last I heard." Lady Edain had said he and Lady Grahnye were watching the children this morning. "I'm surprised you're not still with them."

"They're napping." Ah, was it already naptime? The fittings had taken longer than I thought. "Amazing how easy it is to get her to nap when Ares is around. It's usually a nightmare and a half, but as soon as they're both laying down, she's out like a candle."

"Maybe you should get her a sibling?" I said the words as teasingly as I could and was rewarded with Prince Quan's dark blush. "Forgive me; it was far too tempting."

"I definitely set myself up for that one, didn't I?" He made a face, and I muffled a laugh. "I think I'm more surprised you're the first to tease such."

"I doubt I will be the last." I studied his expression, noting how the discomfort soon came creeping back as I pulled my hand away. "Do you have a headache?"

"No?"

"Are you in pain?"

"No?"

"Then why do you look like you're trying to not wince?" Maybe there was a more diplomatic way to ask, but I wanted to get to the heart of the matter. If there was something to fix, something to heal, I wanted to do so immediately.

"Ah." His eyes skittered away from mine. I waited in silence until he found his words. "I... need to apologize. To you."

"You do?" What would he need to apologize for? I had not talked to him in days. "Why?"

"It is..." He grimaced, dropping his head. His usual perfect posture slumped, and he curled into himself like he was trying to hide. "It is not something I did, but almost did. I think that is the best way to explain it." Then why would he need to apologize? "The more I think of it, the more I... ugh, damn Eldigan for being right. You'd think he'd get tired of always being so Gaia-damned right." I was very... wait, hold on. The mention of Lord Eldigan reminded me of the conversation I had overheard. Was this...? "And, truthfully, I thought Chulainn might have warned you just in case. Ugh, I need to apologize for how caustic I was to him that night too."

"Chulainn hasn't warned me about anything except how I might not be able to hide as much as I wish during the wedding celebrations." This only confirmed it for me. This was about the conversation I had overheard, which meant I needed to be cautious. I wasn't supposed to know anything about it, so I had to act and speak as if I didn't. I didn't want to reveal I'd accidentally eavesdropped, after all. "I will note, however, most would not apologize for thoughts, only their actions."

"I clearly have to make things complicated for myself." He said it, not me. "I... I pride myself in being more careful than anyone. I am not usually a reckless person. So, when something unexpected does happen, I'm very rattled, and I... well, I'll immediately slip into a battlefield mentality. I'm used to it. Whenever something unexpected occurred in Leonster, it was directly because of Thracia. Some sort of attack, some sort of feint…" His words trailed off, pain blooming in the silence. "When I was younger, my father made the mistake of underestimating Travant. He'd just become king, despite being only fourteen, and launched a showy assault. Father met it fully, thinking it was a child's way of grandstanding."

"But it wasn't."

"No, it was all flash, little substance. Bait. And because of it, Leonster's halls were crimson for weeks. Nearly everyone within was slaughtered. I only survived because one of the few knights left behind shoved me into a storeroom and blocked it with his corpse." That was a terrifyingly vivid image. "I decided after that I had to leave Leonster and learn more tactics, more everything. Something to gain an advantage. That's how I ended up at Belhalla's academy. But even with all I know now, I still..." He still remembered being a terrified child, trapped in a storeroom with only the smell of death and screams of battle as his company. "In Leonster, when we're fighting, anything goes. Any scrap of information is seized, no matter how, because of how crucial even the faintest whisper can be. I used to not think anything about torturing for information. Hell, it's probably the only way to get information from Thracians. Then Sigurd looked horrified while I was explaining, and I had to stop and reevaluate a lot of the things I knew. He's like that. Challenges everything and... I'm rambling."

"Perhaps you are, a little."

"I'm sorry." He looked up just enough to give me a bitterly apologetic smile. "The attack on Shannan... I'm furious. At the assassins, at who sent them, and at myself for not thinking of the possibility. And with the unexpected assault comes my usual panicked insistence on gathering any and all information, however it can be gained. It's rare an assassin doesn't die before or during capture. So, my mind went to Leonster's usual way of obtaining information, and it would have… it would have asked a lot of you." He looked down again. "I would have asked... demanded, actually... for you to heal them so we could put them through even more torture. And because you are an idealist like Sigurd, one who wishes to save everyone... I know it would have hurt you."

"Why didn't you?"

"Eldigan rightfully pointed out I'd be sick later. And he forced me to think, instead of react." That must be why Lord Eldigan asked him to put Lady Ethlyn in my hypothetical position. "So, I have to apologize, for almost putting you in the worst sort of situation. For almost clawing you apart because war makes beasts of us all, and I stopped caring what sort of means got me the end I wanted."

"..." How should I respond? I already knew most of this, and I had to admit I was appreciative of his acknowledgement of how painful it would have been for me. It helped me feel better about what I had overheard, and it gave me my own answer to the question I had asked that day. Yes, he might have demanded it of me, but he would've rescinded it as soon as he managed to think past his own panic, past his own trauma. Still, it was hard to say 'you are forgiven' for thoughts. So, instead, I focused on something else he said and hoped I might convey what I wanted. "War does not make beasts of anyone."

"Huh?"

"We fought a war here, but I did not treat beasts in my infirmary. I treated people. No matter how mangled they were, how much they screamed and cursed... they were people." I made sure to catch his eye and hold his gaze. "To say war turns someone into a beast... I think that is trying to push away the responsibility for one's own choices. When it comes to war, people choose to fight. People choose to kill. People choose to capture, to torture... there are no beasts." Something Chulainn said popped into my head, and I blurted it without thinking. "Beasts are more honest."

"I..." Prince Quan looked away. "That..."

"So, it was not a beast who almost harmed me. It was you, a person." I made sure to smile then; he stared. "But it was also you, a person, who stopped and said 'no, this is wrong'." He kept staring; I kept smiling. "Yes, I am a foolish idealist. I willingly drink that cup of poison, knowing my efforts will always fall short, because to give anything less than my best is something I am incapable of doing. I am, after all, the champion of workaholics." That startled a laugh out of him, and I was glad to see him finally relax. "That day, I healed the assassin because I was furious they tried to run away from the consequences of their choice. I am not proud of it, but that was the reason behind it. They will bear it, just as I know, one day, I will have to bear the consequence of healing someone who may cause harm to those I care about." I wasn't stupid. Saving everyone meant saving everyone. Ideals were easy to cling to when you were alone, but when you were no longer alone, those ideals could, and would, hurt others. Even if it worked out here in Verdane, it did not mean it would in the future. "So, I hope you will forgive me when that day inevitably comes."

"...And, in the meantime, you will forgive my lapse of judgment, so long as I acknowledge it is a lapse and one I must strive to correct, and do not try to make excuses such as 'war turns us into beasts' and 'the end justifies the means'." Prince Quan sighed, but he smiled and that was what mattered. "You are a very ridiculous person, Lady Alicia. I was right to complain to Eldigan that there's two of Sigurd now."

"Considering how your adoration of Sigurd is obvious even to a child, I think I will take the compliment." I was more glad he understood what I was trying to say. "But, speaking of… how is…?" Just what term was appropriate for the assassin anyway?

"Our prisoner? Fine, for now. Sigurd made Eldigan and I swear to find and exhaust all other options first. He's not foolish enough to think we can truly avoid it, but he'd rather we did. So, we're doing what investigation we can, including examining the other two bodies. Would've been nice if Eldigan left the head of the one he killed so we could try and track down who might've seen him, but it was mush against the far wall." He sounded only mildly irritated by it. I had to wonder if this had been a problem in the past. "While we investigate, we're taking Ayra's advice and using Isaach's way of interrogation."

"They don't torture?"

"Physically? No. They use isolation as a means of shattering the spirit." ...I could not, for the life of me, decide if that was better or worse. "Something about humans being very social creatures by nature, like pack animals, and thus depriving them of needed interaction slowly drives them insane." I needed to avoid these sorts of conversations, clearly. "So, that's where things stand now."

"I see." Belatedly, I remembered the note in my hand. I wondered if... "Um... here?" I held it out to him, and he took it with a frown. "I... in retrospect, this was probably..." Oh, he was about to be mad, wasn't he? "I wrote Prince Kurth?"

"You did what." His tone immediately flattened. I barely kept from squirming. "I... that... that's beyond dangerous." Yes, I could realize that now! "If things were intercepted..."

"I understand." I couldn't help but frown at him. He sighed again, this time in clear exasperation, and slowly unfolded the note."I never had to worry about these sorts of things before meeting you all, you know."

"Yes, yes, we crazies make life exciting." Finally unfolding it, he skimmed through the words. "When and how did this arrive?"

"It came via falcon shortly before you showed up. I read it immediately." I pointed to where Chulainn remained a short distance away, still playing with the falcon. I knew he was keeping an eye on us, though. "See?"

"...How the hell is his arm not maimed? Every bird of prey I know of would've punctured through his arm ten times by now."

"I don't know, but it's fairly typical with any animal around him."

"That makes no sense." No, it did not, but I didn't know enough about animals to actually protest. "Right, ignoring the odd animal behavior…" Prince Quan read the note again, much more slowly than before. "Friege, huh? That makes the most sense. Arvis has too much to deal with since he's dealing with those warehouses." Yes, he and Dietrich both were up to their necks in work. Sir Alec's investigations had uncovered potential links to slavers and, specifically, illegal arenas where people would fight to the death. It was, apparently, not uncommon for children to be thrown there, and now they were desperately trying to see if any 'warehouse children' had been sold to one. "How are the children you helped doing, by the way?"

"Anselm says they are recovering nicely, and the only ones not settled into their new homes are Gabriel and Ellen." Ellen was still receiving care from Father Claud, and Gabriel would not leave her side. "Arvis will be helping the two settle in Velthomer, in addition to the added investigations about the warehouses."

"So, he's definitely ruled out. As for the others... well, Lombard is many things, but no one can consider him a fool. Attacking a child would reflect poorly on Grannvale, especially a child who is being protected by someone as highly regarded as Sigurd. Plus, a Dozel assassin would've shown more hesitation in striking Lex, if only because they'd know knives would not be effective and poison rarely kills immediately. While King Azmur could have sent the assassins, everyone knows Prince Kurth rules in all but name, and he would never go against his son's wishes. Prince Kurth, meanwhile, would not wish to fight Sigurd, both because he's very fond of Sigurd and because he knows Sigurd would tear a chunk out of their army if provoked. Also, why assassinate Shannan when he could be used as a hostage?"

"So, it could only be Friege, or an unknown employer."

"Right, but Reptor is well known for his utter dislike of threats and very much believes in taking them out at the root, to minimize the chances of someone becoming a threat out of revenge." It was hard to believe someone with that mentality would raise someone as cheerful as Tailtiu. "It's conceivable he'd do something like this." Prince Quan smiled slowly. "I'll have Ayra mention it. She's been our point of contact with the prisoner."

"Is this how she's been conveniently missing fittings? We still need to finalize the design for her dress."

"Er... maybe?" He paused, thinking. "Actually, probably. This explains why Edain was grumbling about being unable to find her." He returned the note to me. "I'd better get on that while I'm thinking about it."

"Very well." I would not say more; I couldn't. So, instead, I did my best to smile as he left and it only faltered for confusion when he paused and looked back. "Was there something else?"

"Well…" He was thoughtful for a moment, before he smiled softly. "First off, thank you for making the coat and cape for Finn. I don't think I ever thanked you for doing that." I was still working on it, but Lady Ethlyn's patterns were easy to follow. I should be able to finish at least one before the wedding. "And I'd like it if you dropped the title with me."

"Oh?" I couldn't fathom why, but I already knew protesting would be pointless with this lot. "Then I must ask for it to be reciprocated, Quan."

"Sounds good, Alicia." With an easy smile and easier wave, he left at last, looking much lighter than he did earlier.

When he was out of sight, I returned to Chulainn's side, folding the note again as small as I could. "Did you suspect he wanted to apologize?" I asked him as soon as I was close enough to talk quietly.

"I figured he would, and figured his own shame made him run," he confirmed, still apparently more focused on the falcon. I didn't know anything about how falcons behaved, but if I had to guess, I'd say this was one happy bird. "It's not a hard guess. He has to have a strong moral compass if he's friends with Sigurd and Eldigan, even if his pragmatism drowns it."

"It's not just pragmatism." Truthfully, I wouldn't even say it was 'mostly' pragmatism. From what he said, I'd say it was all 'trauma' and a desperate need to never bear witness to such a slaughter again. Others just thought it pragmatism because they did not know his story.

"Oh?" Chulainn looked a little surprised, but I shook my head. I would not explain further. "Well, regardless, like I said, it wasn't difficult. I would've been more surprised if it wasn't that."

"You'll probably get an awkward apology later yourself."

"Is that so?" He shook his head. "I don't need it. I've been called a hell of a lot worse."

"Just let him ramble his way through."

"Fine, fine. But I may let him squirm first." Chulainn smiled a little boyishly, and I muffled a laugh. "Are you going to reply? To the note, I mean."

"I... think I shall." I would let Prince Kurth know I informed Quan, and how much I appreciated him doing what he could. I knew he was in an awkward situation, after all. "I should do it quickly, before..." Chulainn brought a hand up to quiet me and pointed down the way. I turned, expecting the worst, but found it was only Ayra wandering through the gardens. "Oh, hello!"

"Edain actually let you go, Alicia?" Ayra asked with a laugh, joining us. She immediately gasped at the falcon on Chulainn's arm. "Oh, what a beauty…" Should… should I tell her it belonged to Prince Kurth? I didn't want to diminish the childlike look in her eyes, but… "Hello, there?" She carefully held her hand out to let the falcon inspect it, and laughed when it immediately butted her hand for pets. "Ha! You're a spoiled one, aren't you? Where did he come from? I know we don't have any falcons here. There's no animals at all besides the horses and some mousers."

"Yet Chulainn manages to find all sorts," I joked, still trying to figure out if and how I should answer her. But, it was probably best to be honest. I had no way to make a believable lie here without being obvious about withholding information. "It's… ah… Prince Kurth's." She stilled for half of a second, before going right back to her pets. "I wrote to him about what happened."

"What was his reply?"

"Quan will give you the full details. But Prince Kurth took some steps to hopefully prevent a second attempt." Now that I thought about it, this might be why he had also made sure to tell the other dukes. If Duke Reptor truly was behind it, he now knew he was alone in believing Shannan was a threat to be 'dealt with'. "I sent it with the regular messenger, but it seems he wanted to reply as quickly as possible and sent a falcon."

"I see." She studied the falcon with a frown, before nodding to herself. "This one is very well treated, and you wish to believe in his owner. Good. Only the best quality of person should have the honor of fighting my brother." Despite how lofty her words sounded, I could see and hear the sorrow within.

"...From what I understand, Mariccle continues to make Prince Kurth work for a victory." I told her before how much Prince Kurth admired Mariccle, didn't I? I swore I did. Should I make sure?

"Of course he is." The way she said it implied she wanted to say no more on the subject, so I would speak of it another time. "I'm surprised you let this one land without a glove, Chulainn. Everyone is so skittish around animals around here!"

"So long as nothing startles him, my arm remains safe," Chulainn dismissed, shaking his head. I frowned, though, because… it was very hard to tell, but he seemed a little uncomfortable. "However, I should warn Edain didn't actually let Alicia go. We escaped."

"Meaning she's either looking for you herself or has set Midir to the task," Ayra replied with a laugh. She then paused, thinking. "Wait, no, Midir went out with Alec earlier to help with patrols and hunting. So, someone else. Point is, she's on the hunt."

"Right, so if you're going to avoid your fittings as you usually do…"

"I… er…" She made a face. "Look, I'm involved in something else important too, you know!" I had to fight to keep my smile at the reminder of how they were currently treating the assassin. No, I still didn't like any of this. "Though, I do use it as an excuse. I'll admit to that."

"Fittings are tedious and torturous."

"I'm somewhat used to them. I did have a lot of clothes in Isaach. Royalty has to keep up appearances, especially when they're connected to the divine. So, it's not that. It's…" She sighed then, drooping. "It's the dress itself. Don't get me wrong; it's pretty. And I believe Edain when she said it'll suit despite me not having the patience for such things. But…"

"It's not Isaachian." Chulainn carefully ran a finger over the falcon's wings. The falcon, meanwhile, seemed very relaxed and perfectly happy with being spoiled with pets and scratches. "Grannvale's formal wear is different."

"Yes." It was all she said, but the word carried everything. It wasn't even just about being different either. But the dress was Grannvalian in design, and while it was suggested with the best of intentions, it was only another thing Grannvale 'replaced' and another reminder of just how far from home she was. So, in my eyes, there was only one way to solve this problem.

"In that case, should we commission an Isaachian-style dress?" I suggested. Ayra looked at me like I was insane; Chulainn stared through me like he was trying to pick away at my thoughts. "There's still time, and I know Deirdre would be very upset if you had to wear a dress you didn't like." They both continued staring, so I resorted to my best weapon in this situation: guilt. "In fact, knowing her, she'd be so upset she won't think of much else and would not enjoy her own wedding, which of course would make Sigurd fret. Then again, if he knew you were wearing a dress you didn't like either…"

"Okay, ow, low blows!" Ayra complained, rolling her eyes. I simply smiled innocently. "I… it's very different. It's subtle and can strain the eyes and while Isaachian tailors are trained for it…"

"Then we may need to make a compromise, but we won't be able to do anything until we ask." I kept smiling. She kept staring. "So, I do want to reply to Prince Kurth first, but afterwards, we'll talk with Edain together. How does that sound?"

"I…" Ayra ducked her head to try and hide her face; I still saw her shyly sweet smile. "Sure. We… we can try, at least."

It didn't take me long to write my reply. I only wanted to thank him for telling me, thank him for doing what he could, and inform him I had told Quan his suspicions. Ayra helped me tie the note to the falcon's leg, and Chulainn sent him off. From there, we only needed to find the one Edain sent to look for me, Lachesis, and meet up for discussions and more fittings. Honestly, there were so many. I would never endure another one again!

---

Some days, the wedding planning got too much for me. My head spun too much and I had to walk away to do something else lest it exploded. On those days, I would head into town with Chulainn and set up a mini-clinic like I did before. Back then, it took people time and courage to approach me for help, uncertain as they were over the interlopers and their strange healer. Now, though, they greeted me with laughter and warmth, cheerily sharing tales while I treated their ills and gave advice for their health concerns. I even had a house call, which would've been unheard of last time, though I did wish the person's condition wasn't so serious.

"It's a fungal infection, so while I've treated the worst of it, you absolutely need to give them this medicine," I explained, speaking clearly and concisely. I had to be especially calm right now, since I was talking to a very distraught mother of a very sick child. What had started as a 'simple cold' developed into far worse, sadly. "It reached their brain which is why they suddenly lost their vision and had a seizure, but this is easily fixable so long as we treat it quickly and efficiently."

"Th-thank you..." the mother sobbed. Asli. Asli was her name. Her son was Demir. She'd lost her husband in the 'plague' that had wiped out Evans, which is why her son had done his best to hide his admittedly minimal symptoms. "I knew I should've taken him to you sooner, but he kept saying he was fine, he just had a little cough and he had no fever..."

"I know." I kept my voice gentle even as I interrupted her. I didn't want her to feel like this was her fault. It wasn't. It wasn't anyone's fault. Life was just like that. We simply had to fix it. "But he will be fine. I'll write down the instructions for the medicine, but it's important to not skip a day and I will warn you, he'll be taking it for a very long while. His symptoms will clear up sooner, but you must have him keep taking them even afterwards. We don't want to risk him being sick again because something was missed."

"Yes, of course." She roughly rubbed her eyes to clear her tears. I made a mental note to brew her some tea while we went over everything. "So, what should we do? And how long will this be?"

"We'll do a combination of two medicines for three months, and we'll reevaluate then what medicines he'll need. I'll make you enough for a few days while I'm here, and send the rest once I'm back at the castle."

We sat at her kitchen table while I went over both medicines with her, how best to give them and what potential side effects to watch for. She listened with rapt attention, reading through my notes with such intensity it took her a good five minutes for her to even notice me getting up to find her kettle. Then, of course, Asli panicked and insisted on making the tea herself, but I waved her away with a little laugh. I was glad to see her calm down by the time the tea was made, and after one last check on Demir, I left the house to meet up with Chulainn. He'd refused to follow me inside for reasons known only to him.

"How does a fungus end up in someone's brain?" Though, given how that was the first question he asked after I stepped outside, maybe he'd stayed away so he wouldn't ask questions like that around a panicking mother. "I can't figure it out for the life of me," he continued, sounding almost sulky about it. "If he cracked his skull, that'd be one thing, but surely they would've brought him to someone if he was that badly hurt."

"No concern for the child?" I asked, mildly exasperated. He didn't even say 'hello'. "None?"

"I didn't hear wailing, and your expression isn't locked up, so obviously, the kid will be fine." It was polite to still ask! "I'm still trying to figure out the fungus in the brain part. Will the kids here get it?"

"Everyone in the castle knows to come to me immediately, and I will remind them to do so even for coughs in light of this." Sighing, I shook my head and strode down the path back to the castle. He fell in step with me easily. "Besides, this isn't contagious. It's obtained via breathing in the spores."

"You mean the spores which are likely everywhere?"

"Well, yes?" I shrugged. "Most don't become sick from it, though. It usually only affects those with a weakened immunity, but cases in healthy individuals aren't uncommon."

"And it somehow moved from the lungs to the brain."

"Yes, the spores likely colonized in the lungs and then disseminated through the bloodstream before his body to clear it out." I struggled to remember what I had read. Weren't skin lesions a potential problem? I should check. "That's all."

"You say this in the most nonchalant manner." He frowned at me and I could only smile. "I think I've said it before, but your medicines and medical knowledge make my head spin."

"Would you like to learn more?"

"That would be a 'no'."

"It would be fun! You can learn with the boys and Lady Lachesis."

"Still no."

"Please?"

"No." By this point, we made it to the market again and waded into the crowd. It was just as loud as ever, with the townsfolk eagerly anticipating the upcoming wedding. "Looks like the merchants have set up shop."

"I'm not surprised. Weddings are nothing more than fancy festivals, and festivals means money. Even I know this." Still, I couldn't help but smile at how cheerful and lively everyone was. We even had a few travelers in the mix, easily standing out from the crowd due to their cloaks, but even they smiled and laughed with the rest of the crowd. "This may be a small wedding by Grannvale's standards, but it's still a fancy party."

"Right, why are most of Grannvale's nobles not invited?"

"It's apparently tradition. Chalphy prefers smaller weddings." As such, no actual 'invitations' were sent out, only notices. Wedding gifts came by messenger and no one looked slighted. "It's better for Deirdre, since she'd be too nervous to move if there were so many strangers at her wedding." I did wish Azelle would've been able to make it, but he was too busy in Velthomer right now.

"I see." He glanced back then and subtly pulled me a little closer. "There's a man wearing a dull gray cloak behind us." His voice dropped to a whisper and I glanced over my shoulder to find the man in question. It took me a while; he was hidden well, talking to a merchant. "He's trailing us."

"Are you certain?" I kept my voice just as soft. "This is a busy area."

"He started following us the moment we stepped into the crowd." Ah. That was certainly more suspicious. "He's careful to keep us in sight, even while conversing, and he's always a set distance away despite the number of people." Now this was definitely suspicious. "Stay near."

"No, I think I'll walk right up to the suspicious person and leave my trusty bodyguard behind."

"You mean like when you ran for Shannan despite the threat of assassins?" ...While he did have a point, I refused to admit it. "Walk normally."

"So, you need me to act calm and pretend I didn't notice anything." In that case, the best thing to do would be... "Then let's head in the direction of the apothecary. No one will think anything weird about me going there and I go in through the side door." I received permission to do so from the proprietor, so I could talk to him more directly about what I needed.

"All right." He looked around again, before pointing. "It's this way, right?"

"I believe so." I started heading in that direction, with Chulainn staying near. "Is he still behind us?"

"Yes."

"Darn."

We walked in silence from there, mostly so I didn't distract Chulainn from keeping a surreptitious eye on our stalker. Instead, I focused on where we were going, keeping calm and making a mental list of what I'd need for Demir's medicines to keep my mind occupied. Before long, we split off from the crowd to head down the side alley by the apothecary and I reached for the door as if to open it. That was when Chulainn whirled, drawing his blade with the motion, and held it at our stalker's throat. He seemed surprised by the action, but recovered quickly and held up his hands in a pacifying gesture. As he did, I took note of his surprisingly delicate features, silver hair, and pale gray eyes. I... knew him. I knew him. I knew him, and I did not like that he was here!

"Eogan?" I whispered, feeling cold. His only response was a slight, bitter smile. "What are you...?"

"I wish to speak with you, fire lady," he replied, perfectly honest. Only when he said it did I remember we had never exchanged names, and I'd stupidly called him by his anyway. "That's all."

"I see." Well, at least he was talking to me and not charging into the castle for Deirdre. "Very well." I looked to Chulainn, who eyed both of us dubiously. "I know him. Step back for a moment, will you?" Now he just looked at me incredulously. "Please." So, I put all the sincerity I had into the word, hoping it would convince him. Thankfully, it did, even if he walked away with all the reluctance in the world and did not sheathe his sword. He stopped a short distance away, but when I shook my head, he walked a little farther and leaned against the wall. He wouldn't take one step more, so... "Speak quickly and quietly."

"If you're taking such steps, that answers one of my questions. You do know her heritage." Eogan pushed his hood off and brought his hands down. "You knew when we'd met."

"I still maintain what I said." It was best to keep both quiet and vague, though with his hood down, his features made it very obvious just what this was about. After all, only he and Deirdre looked so much like spun glass come to life. Thankfully, Chulainn knew how to keep quiet. "So, you said it was 'one'. What else did you want to ask?"

"It deals with Sandima." Oh, this was going to be awkward. "I've listened to the rumors while out and about. Despite his presence, he's noticeably absent in the official version of things."

"You know why."

"Indeed." He looked down briefly before making sure to hold my gaze. "While I was in Marpha, though, I heard about what happened to a certain couple. I knew of them; she had found them and told me about it. But I heard the symptoms then, and I know what happened." Yes, if Deirdre could figure it out from my descriptions, then surely he would've from theirs. "But I wanted to confirm. They were attacked in the Forest?"

"That was what I was told."

"...Then I was right. They were close." It was difficult to place his expression then. Bitterness, dread, fury, resignation... it was nothing good, even if I couldn't find the word I wanted. "Then she was in danger no matter what."

"She told me what your people told her to do if she was at risk."

"I... that's why I always went to find her. I didn't want her to die." His smile and expression settled on 'bitter' then. "So, I came here to confirm. If she was in danger no matter what, then why not run away for the chance of happiness?"

"You didn't come here to bring her back?"

"Yes, let's sneak into a heavily guarded castle and steal away the besotted lord's fiance. I'm neither stupid nor suicidal, thank you." Could he blame me for wondering? "No, like I said, I was just confirming, and who better than the strange lady who was very careful to speak only the truth to me and never actually answer my question or agree to my request."

"I don't regret it."

"I hope she doesn't either." He sighed and pulled his hood back on. "But with that confirmed, I will return to the Forest."

"That's it?"

"What more can I do? I can't fulfill either of the elders' requests." He looked down briefly and with a start, I realized what those requests had been. 'Bring her back or kill her'. What a harsh... even Father Eirik hadn't been that bad. But, then again, Father Eirik's priority had been my safety, not the world's. ...Actually, he'd probably scoff at the mere idea of 'protecting the world'. "So, I will take my leave."

"I see." This was... abrupt, but then again, our last meeting had been as well. "Is there anything you want me to tell her?"

"..." He was silent for a very long time before he reached into his pocket and tossed me something. I barely caught it, and even stumbled back as I fumbled with it, but eventually I saw it was an earring. It was a simple, silver earring with a pale blue drop. "Give that to her, will you? She'll know what it means."

"Of course." The randomness of it almost made me stop the conversation there, but I remembered... I remembered what Deirdre had told me. Earrings... always came in pairs, matching pairs. "You... were her friend, weren't you?"

"I was her jailer." Though he scoffed, a conflicted look came across his face. "But I... probably was the closest thing she had, growing up. Unlucky her, right?" When he met my eyes this time, I swore he was holding back tears. "Tell her to be happy. Tell her to be so happy she drives the elders mad."

"I will." I closed my fist around the earring to make sure I didn't drop it. "Safe travels, Eogan."

"And to you, my lady."

"It's Alicia."

"Lady Alicia, then."

He turned away then, waving a farewell before disappearing into the crowd. I watched him leave until he was out of sight, and still stood there until Chulainn returned to my side and tapped my shoulder. He asked no questions and I knew he'd keep silent about what bits he overheard and extrapolated. So, instead, we headed back to the castle, still in silence, and it was comfortable. When we returned, I headed straight for Deirdre. It was selfish, but I wanted to tell her before even a trace of the memory faded. I needed to.

"Oh, Alicia!" For once in my life, I got lucky. Not only was Deirdre in the first place I looked, but she was alone in the rooms she and Sigurd shared. "Is everything all right?" she asked, greeting me with a smile. "Did something happen?" Chulainn quietly shut the door behind me, the only hint he'd ever give about how much he overheard. "Oh, something did, huh? He wouldn't try to give us privacy if it didn't. Was the house call bad? Someone mentioned you had one."

"It... was, but the child can still recover with minimal complications," I answered, still clutching the earring. My hand hurt. "But you know I wouldn't need privacy to tell you about it."

"Well, you would if you wanted to cry." ...That was fair. "But what is it?" She walked over and tugged me further inside so we could sit in her 'sunroom'. I think that was the term. It was her 'private room' of the suite, whatever it was. "What happened?"

"I..." I looked around the room to ground myself before facing her. "I saw Eogan." Her eyes widened in shock. "Here." I held my hands out to her, cradling the earring. "He asked I'd give you this, and a message."

"This earring..." Shakily, Deirdre plucked it from my palm and held it up to the light. It sparkled like a star. "I know this. It was a gift from the Chief Elder, a sign of inheritance. Do you see the gem? It's called a blue sodesia. Sodesia are a gem only found in the Spirit Forest and even then, it's only once every few decades you can find a few. No one knows how they end up there of all places, but we're certain it's because of the Spirits. Everything weird is because of them."

"He said you'd know what it means."

"Yes..." She smiled so softly I thought it would break. "It's him saying I can come back if it's too scary. I can come back if I need a favor. He'll... he'll always be on my side." While smile didn't break, she did break into quiet tears. "You know; he's the only one I have any positive memories with, growing up. And whenever he'd find me after I snuck out, he'd wait until I was done. He never rushed me, and when asked, he always lied and said I never stepped foot in the city. Only the outskirts. Because he worried what the others might do if they knew."

"He wants you to be happy, so happy it drives the elders mad."

"Well, that'll be easy. I'm that happy every day now." She continued holding the earring to the light, watching it sparkle. "He should've stayed. I don't think he was any happier than me there. He was also kept apart, picked out from a young age to succeed the Chief Elder as he was. So he had more vigorous courses than the rest of us. More intense and more of them, because he had to learn anything and everything. His job, after all, would be to protect the village and he could only do that if he was the strongest, most skilled, of us."

"It sounds..." I thought of Arvis then, how isolated he had been and how happy he always was when he came to visit. I thought also of what Eogan had said, about how he'd been the 'closest' she had to a friend. "It sounds like two lonely children being lonely together."

"Trying to make the best of things the adults forced on us. That's another reason he gave this. It's an act of defiance. The earrings are only supposed to be given to the Chief Elder, so he's splitting the role with me. They're going to be so mad, but he'll use it to his advantage. They can't kill a 'Chief Elder', after all, even if she defies the rules." She laughed softly, more tears slipping down her face. "Be happy. Live fully. I will always be on your side. You will always be safe here, if you need it. That's everything he wanted to say. So silly... he's always been so terribly awkward with his words."

"And here I thought it was a quiet acknowledgement of the tradition you told me about. Earrings come in pairs."

"It's that too. But he'd never admit it. Too embarrassing." She giggled. "Ah, what to do with it? Wearing only one earring will be awkward. I guess I'll just hold onto it and keep it safe."

"Maybe we can get a pouch, at least for the day of the wedding?"

"Oh, that'll be cute! Let's do that!"

"Then we'll…" I was going to say we should commission something, but given how all the tailors were busy with clothes for the wedding and how I doubted Deirdre would want to explain the earring… "I'll make it."

"Aren't you still working on those items for Finn, though?"

"It doesn't take long to make a simple pouch. I can do it while the medicines for Demir are steeping." I smiled teasingly. "We should find silver ribbon for the drawstring, and blue cloth for the actual pouch."

"Well, neither will be hard since those colors are…" She trailed off when she realized why I said it. "Alicia!"

"What? They match the earring."

"Mean! Meeeeaannn!"

By the end of the day, I had all the medicines I needed for Demir and a simple drawstring pouch for a pouting yet smiling Deirdre. All in all, I would dub the day an unexpected 'success'. I hoped Eogan made it home safely. I doubted we'd ever meet again, after all.

---

Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. Outside of Deirdre's dressing room, everything was a flurry of activity, people rushing around trying to finish whatever last minute preparations had to be completed. Inside her dressing room, though, it was peaceful. It was just Deirdre and me, her sitting at her vanity and me brushing her hair and settling the veil on her.

"It's so pretty…" she breathed, watching me in the mirror. Her eyes sparkled with delighted tears and her smile was brighter than the sun. "I still can't believe you embroidered klelia and aevlise blossoms in it…"

"The veil is supposed to contain my well-wishes, and I remember what both symbolize," I replied, taking my time. I wanted it to be absolutely perfect. "Besides, you may have few fond memories of your village, but it was your home. I can't return to bring the flowers here, so in your veil they went." She should keep a little piece with her. "Now, what was it you're borrowing from Ethlyn again?" Ethlyn had learned about Quan requesting to drop the title with me and sulked until I did the same with her.

"Oh, it's the bracelet." She held it up for me to see, a silver and diamond chain sparkling over her glove. "And I have the pouch tucked into my dress for a 'something blue' until I can wear our shared accessory." And, this way, she would 'wear' the trinket she shared with her only friend growing up.

"Yes, that's right." Absently, I reached up to touch the hair ornament pinned to my hair. It was a dark blue rose, matching my dress perfectly. "This will certainly stand out against your hair."

"A little color never hurt anyone! And if I have to stare at so much white and silver, I think I'll go blind." She made a face, and I had to muffle a laugh. "Oh, and uh… thank you."

"Why are you thanking me?"

"There's many reasons to, but in this case, Edain told me you argued with some of the others about me wearing my circlet." She gestured vaguely at it, and it took me a moment to remember what she was talking about. I wouldn't call it 'argued'. It was more 'I told them and refused to budge'. "I know it's ridiculous, wearing this thing all the time. But it's one of the few things the villagers gave me. Eogan once joked it was a protective charm. So…"

"I only reminded everyone the bride has the right to decide what she will wear. That's all." I returned to arranging her hair and veil. "Besides, I made this veil under the impression it would be tucked around your circlet."

"Of course. You think of everything." She sighed, and I chose against disagreeing with her. "Oh, I'm so nervous. I keep thinking I'll flub my lines or somehow, someone will figure out my cursed heritage."

"They won't." I had helped Deirdre pick out shoes which left little chances of slipping off, and had argued for long socks under the gown instead of going bare. Both were to help her hide the Mark on the bottom of her foot. "If you think you're getting a blister, you tell me immediately and I'll check."

"I know. Or, rather, my head knows." The heart decided to feel whatever it wanted, no matter what logic said. "Still..."

"It'll be fine. Just think of Sigurd. If that doesn't work, then think of how adorable Shannan is." Shannan was actually serving as the ring bearer for the ceremony, much to his shock. I knew he'd been terribly nervous; Dew's self-assigned task for the day was making sure Shannan didn't make himself sick over it. "All of us here wish for your happiness. Trust in that, and no matter what silliness occurs, we'll overcome it together."

"I… yes, you're right." She beamed at me via the mirror. "All will be well. We'll make it through."

"That's right. So, just focus on being happy today."

"I'll try."

"Oh, so here's where all the calm is." The door opened then with the barest of knocks, just enough for Ayra to slip inside and shut the door behind her. "I should've expected Alicia was in the only calm place in the whole castle," she continued, sighing in relief. She was dressed very differently from most of us, with her dress deceptively simple and sleek. It was only when she moved that you saw the intricate embroidery on the skirt, an array of flowers and swirls climbing up from the hem in threads just barely a different shade than the dress itself. It had taken a lot of back and forth with the tailors, mostly for clarification, but they eventually decided it would be a fun challenge and agreed to make an Isaachian dress for Ayra. "Mind if I hide here for a second? I feel like a storm exploded in the castle."

"Don't say it like that when she's already nervous," I chided, waving her into the room. Of course neither of us minded if she hid. We were, after all. That's why it was only us two in here. "I was just reassuring her."

"Not my fault they're running like headless chickens. But there's smiles all around, so I think it's all in good cheer still." Ayra walked over and leaned down a little to smile at Deirdre. "You do look lovely, by the way. Sigurd's going to be staring."

"Doesn't he always?"

"Fair, but more so than usual. I think he'll forget to finish sentences like Mariccle did for his own wedding." She snickered at the memory and straightened. "He was chatting with me while we were waiting for the ceremony to begin and when Clionadh arrived, he stopped mid-word to stare." Her smile became a little sad, but still bright. "Their time together was short. She ended up drowning while saving Shannan from the same fate. But, I will always remember how happy they were, and how happy Mariccle still was even after she died, thanks to her memory. So, I hope you will have even a fraction of that happiness, Deirdre. You and he deserve it and more."

"Thank you, Ayra…" Deirdre whispered, smiling sweetly. It did nothing to hide the grateful tears gathering in her eyes, and I was glad we'd decided against makeup for her. I had a feeling she'd cry it off. "I…"

"And I apologize if mentioning a dead woman is bad luck in Verdane and Grannvale," Ayra added sheepishly, looking away. "I just can't help but remember since it was the last wedding I attended."

"Well, I don't mind and I'm told the bride gets to decide everything for weddings, so it's fine." She smiled mischievously and Ayra laughed. "So…" A knock on the door cut her off. "Come in!"

"Hello, hello!" The door cracked open and Lady Edain poked her head in, beaming at us. "Ah, and there's Ayra too," she said, stepping inside. Lady Lachesis followed behind with a skip in her step, her skirts bouncing with the movement. Agustria formalwear enjoyed layers, from what I could tell. "Perfect! It's almost time, so I'm here to escort Deirdre to her waiting room~!"

"And I'm here for Alicia," Lady Lachesis added with a laugh. Verdane's customs were clear; only women were allowed near the bride on the morning of her wedding day. Chulainn would wait for me in the chapel, and resume his duties once the ceremony ended. However, given the recent assassins and everyone's absolute certainty I would somehow fall into trouble even on a day like today, Lady Lachesis would serve as my temporary guard. "Shall we head out? If you make Deirdre any more beautiful, no one is going to pay attention to the ceremony!"

"Well, the bride is the centerpoint, so it won't matter if they do."

"That's true, I suppose."

Deirdre, of course, protested and things dissolved into a laughing teasing session. I ignored most of it, focusing again on pinning the veil. As soon as I was done, Ayra helped Deirdre up and led her out with Lady Edain to wherever Deirdre would wait for the ceremony to begin. Lady Lachesis and I cleaned the room before we left, heading to the chapel proper.

"Ah, I can't believe this day really came~!" Lady Lachesis giggled, brimming with energy as we walked. She practically shone with it, truthfully. Meanwhile, I was already tired from all of this, but I'd endure with my usual calm. It was easier when I could hear everyone's cheer, but I would be very glad when all of this was over. "Though this means everyone will pay far too much attention to who I choose for my first dance." Were such things important? I remembered how I'd been swarmed for my first dance at the Festival of Flowers. "Ugh, the wedding isn't even over and I'm already dealing with people making comments. Ugh, I could just not dance, but I don't want to."

"Dance with Finn," I suggested, not really thinking about it. When she made a curious noise, though, I had to think of some sort of justification. "You should dance with someone you know as your first, but I'm assuming you have already written off Lord Oifeye."

"Oifeye hates dancing, with a passion, and the gossips are already too quick to pair us. Dancing with him first will only escalate it and make things super uncomfortable."

"So, he's crossed off the list. Quan and Lord Eldigan will dance with their wives, and Sigurd will obviously dance with Deirdre. None of Sigurd's knights will dance until later, since they're on initial guard duty. Dew doesn't know how to dance, and won't want to, and Shannan's too young to dance at an official gathering."

"Meanwhile, if Midir dances, it'll be with Edain only because he'll only suffer it for her, and Lex hates dancing and will definitely not consent to being someone's first partner. It invites too much gossip." She tapped her cheek, thinking. "Yeah, Finn does sound like the best option. Out of everyone, he'll probably be the easiest to converse with." She giggled, grinning. "Plus, I'm sure he'll yelp and get flustered, which is a plus for me~!" Oh dear, maybe I shouldn't have suggested this. "Who will your first dance be with?"

"I do not plan on dancing at all, so I will get away with the barest minimum I can manage."

"Oh? But dancing is so much fun!" It very much wasn't for me. "Besides, with how beautiful you look, I'm sure you'll have many asking."

"If they ask, it is only to earn some sort of favor from Arvis."

"Well, I can't deny some of them might, and it's whispered Prince Kurth has a soft spot for you." I couldn't deny that. "However, I firmly believe most who ask will be because they're captivated by you!"

"They can pick someone else as their accessory."

"So cynical!" She laughed, though. "Maybe I should make you dance with me!"

"You should not be in such a hurry to bruise your own feet."

The rest of the walk to the chapel went just like that, with her trying to get me to promise a dance and me refusing. Neither of us had yielded by the time we made it to our destination, and once there, we were both distracted. Inside, the chapel was a whirlwind of movement and colors. It felt like I blinked and twenty people had run across the room to pin some decoration or fix some flowers. Lady Lachesis laughed at the chaos and bolted for Ethlyn to assist however she could. After all, Ethlyn was the center of this, snapping orders with a smile and listening to any grievances or worries with a laugh. I should probably have joined them to help, but this sort of madness was not something I wanted anything to do with, so I slipped along the edges of the room to find some place to hide. I ended up finding the only bit of calm in the whole room, though it had its own troubles. At least, I assumed there was trouble, since I was reasonably certain Ares and Altena were not supposed to be clinging to Sigurd right now. Lady Grahnye trying to get them to let go only proved it.

"Goodness, I look away for a half of a second, and he attaches like a burr!" Lady Grahnye laughed, tapping Ares's hand twice. He loosened his grip for a second, before grabbing Sigurd's coat with his other hand. "Ares!"

"It's fine, Grahnye!" Sigurd laughed off, despite being very pinned by the baby duo. Altena had all but buried herself into his neck, sulking at the clinging Ares. I was impressed Sigurd managed to hold onto both of them. "Really, I don't mind."

"You're supposed to be getting ready for your wedding, not serving as the baby toy again." Lady Grahnye tapped Ares's hand twice again. Ares looked around calmly and quietly, and promptly pulled the same trick. "Of all the times to act like Eldigan…"

"I don't know; I think the cleverness is from you."

"Don't flatter me while I'm trying to figure out how to scold my son!"

"Oh, my, is this the infamous 'Ares clings to Sigurd and Altena gets jealous' scene I've heard about?" I asked lightly, joining them. Lady Grahnye looked exasperated, while Sigurd laughed. "How did you even get them?"

"I was already carrying Altena, and I picked up Ares when I saw him underfoot," Sigurd explained, almost shrugging. He couldn't since Altena was sulking on his shoulder still. "That's all. I had Altena because Quan had to walk off with Eldigan to fix something heavy. I don't know; they're all being terribly vague. Something about how I'm not allowed to help today so they refuse to tell me anything."

"I'm sure." I had to muffle a laugh, and did my best to smile when Ares's quiet gaze snapped to me. "Hello again, little ones. It seems like it's been a while since I've seen either of you."

"This, of course, has nothing to do with how you avoid anyone under the age of two out of sheer awkwardness."

"Hush." I might have frowned, but Ares reached out for me then and I shied away, unintentionally proving his point. "Um…"

"Look, take him and then I can work on cheering Altena up enough she'll actually let Quan take her back. She's as clingy as Ethlyn when jealous."

"Is she now?" I glanced at Lady Grahnye, hoping for some sort of reprieve, but she only looked some combination of exasperated and thoughtful. "Why do I have a feeling there's a funny story about this?"

"Many. My favorite is the time we were in Belhalla for a summer festival, and Quan couldn't figure out why Ethlyn insisted on holding onto his arm the entire time." He shifted so Ares was a little closer, and I reluctantly took him from him. Unlike with his mother, Ares willingly went along and immediately batted at my hair. "Please do not grab my hair, Ares. I don't want to risk you dislodging the accessory."

"It looks just as pretty as Deirdre described it." Now freed from the second baby, Sigurd turned all his attention back to Altena, and she was happily gurgling before long. "You should probably support his back more."

"Ah, yes…" Right, Mistress Yesui had always said to support the head and back. I… did not know what to do with babies. I truly didn't. "Though, his mother could just take him."

"Aw, but he looks so happy!"

"He might, but Lady Alicia looks like she's scared she'll drop him," Lady Grahnye teased, mercifully taking Ares from me. I nearly breathed a sigh of relief, but kept up my smile so Ares wouldn't see. He was still staring at my hair, even as he curled against Lady Grahnye's chest. "Well, this took longer than I thought, but we succeeded. Somehow. Your suit is rumpled, though, Sigurd."

"I'll fix it when Quan gets back," Sigurd dismissed, cuddling with Altena. She was back to smiles now that she had her uncle to herself again. "Though, if Alicia is here, that means we'll be starting soon, so maybe we should find them instead."

"Yes, we should." Lady Grahnye smiled at me and hefted Ares up so she could hold him a little more securely. "Come with us? It'll give you an excuse to not run around like the rest of them."

She didn't need to tell me twice. The three of us wandered along the walls hunting for Quan and Lord Eldigan. We found them before long, fixing some statue that had been knocked into a precarious position, and Quan reclaimed his baby girl with a laugh and copious baby talk. I then took the opportunity to tug Sigurd into one of the small rooms connected to the main chapel so I could help him fix his appearance. Lady Grahnye was right; the babies did rumple his suit very thoroughly.

"And now you look respectable again, if as nervous as Deirdre," I gently teased, once he was finally presentable. He immediately made a face at me. "I suppose it's a show of how much you're both anticipating this."

"That's certainly one way to look at it," he replied, chuckling. To my surprise, he then looked around curiously. "Hey..."

"Hmm?"

"I just... wanted to thank you." He spoke strangely quietly, yet the words were filled with all his considerable sincerity. "You're rarely alone nowadays, so I haven't had a chance."

"Sigurd, you can thank me whenever."

"Not for this. You're the only one who knows everything about Deirdre." He smiled softly. "I realized it, when she told me about your meeting with Eogan. You're the only one who knows her heritage, and the only one who knows about... well, everything about me and her." He... had a point. I was the only one who knew the two had only met twice before swearing their undying love for one another. "Yet you show little skepticism, gave both of us courage, and helped every step of the way. So, I wanted to thank you."

"Ah..." I had... no idea what to say. "The greatest thanks would be you two being happy, you know."

"That's a given. I'll work hard every day for it." He grinned now. "So, again, thank you, Alicia."

"...You're welcome, Sigurd." I smiled as brightly as I could, the 'beaming' smile Chulainn told me made me look happy. Sigurd's grin grew into a smile. "Now, is there anything I can help you with or should I make myself available to Ethlyn?"

"Personally, I'd hide from her, so can you check my cufflinks? I swear one is loose."

"I imagine it's because you fiddle with them so much. You're worse than Arvis. But yes, I can check."

His cufflinks were fine, but he did have a button loose on his coat. I took my time fixing it and reinforcing the rest. It kept me safe from the rest of the wedding preparations.

---

The wedding went well, or so I guessed. According to Lady Edain, there had been multiple 'mini-disasters', though I did not know why any would have been dubbed 'disasters' at all. Some of the flower arrangements had been improperly arranged, someone's hem frayed, something about how one of the dishes for the meal would be delayed… in my mind, they were minor things, but perhaps they were like injuries. Minor wounds could become major if not properly treated, and it always happened at the most inopportune of moments. At least none of these mini-disasters happened during the ceremony itself. No, as far as I could tell, it had gone near perfectly and now, everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves at the reception.

To my surprise, and mild irritation, I didn't fully escape dancing. Lord Eldigan requested one, as it was apparently traditional for the best man and maid of honor to share a dance. Then Quan insisted on one, and of course, Sigurd didn't mind risking mangled feet. Some others approached afterwards, but I didn't know them, so I ducked away and Chulainn found me to escort me to a lovely and comfortable seat by the far window, where I could sit, sip some cider, and watch everyone have fun.

"This really is a cozy nook," I murmured, finally able to relax. Chulainn, leaning against the wall next to me, smiled faintly. "I don't remember seeing something like this in the corners when we last inspected the room." I did like it, though. I could hide with ease and had the best view of the room.

"I set it up this morning," Chulainn admitted easily. His faint smile turned boyish when I stared at him. "I figured you'd want to escape and not be easily found. The only ones who will make the effort are those whose company you actually enjoy."

"I'd ask how, but something tells me you'll answer without actually answering." So, instead, I smiled. "But thank you. I still do not do well with crowds."

"Oh, it has a selfish motive as well. This way Edain can't complain about not getting me fitted for a new outfit."

"It wasn't for a lack of trying." In fact, Edain hadn't given up until the week of the wedding, and only because the tailors wouldn't have enough time. "I still can't believe you climbed out a window to avoid her."

"You should have let me take you with me."

"You couldn't climb and carry me."

"It's not hard."

"Chulainn, it was the side of a building. I still don't know how you didn't fall."

"Still not hard." His boyish smile did nothing to convince me of this. "Oh, Finn, over here." The subject change convinced me even less, but it at least served as a good enough distraction, particularly when Finn did actually come over with a soft and shy smile.

"So, this is where you're hiding, Alicia," he noted, looking around. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering…"

"You could never bother me, Finn," I reassured with a laugh. In fact, I waved him closer. "Is everything well? No one is hurt?"

"As far as I know." He walked over to my chair, standing next to it and the window. "The worst I've seen is Oifeye fretting about whether or not you've had food. And if you've gotten some cider. Sir Arden made it especially for you."

"I will have to give him my thanks." I wasn't surprised, even if I was touched. He'd done the same for my birthday dinner, after all. "As for food, I'm not hungry yet. The bride's breakfast was quite filling."

"Ah, yes, that is one of Grannvale's traditions, isn't it? For the bride to share a special meal with close friends? But this one had a Verdanite twist." Indeed, it did. In Grannvale, the bride's breakfast was for all close friends and family, male and female. But Verdanite custom forbade men from interacting with the bride until the ceremony itself, so it had been just Deirdre, Ethlyn, Ayra, Lady Lachesis, Lady Edain, and me. "I'll remind him before he fills three plates for you."

"If he does, I'll make Chulainn eat them." I looked up to smile at Chulainn, and he actually looked mildly horrified for a split-second. "Though, I imagine he'll feed the animals instead."

"Lachesis did say she saw him feeding puppies just before the ceremony." Finn grinned at Chulainn, and Chulainn pointedly looked away. "Also mentioned something about a scolding."

"I did not scold her; I told her to be careful," Chulainn corrected with a weary sigh. I had a feeling Lady Lachesis would equate the two. "She nearly tripped and fell on one of them." Yes, she would definitely equate the two in such a scenario. "But I am surprised you used no title for the young lady of Nordion. Did your dance go well?"

"That...!" Finn choked on a yelp, and I had to muffle a laugh. Lady Lachesis had taken my advice and asked Finn for her first dance. Lord Eldigan and I had joked about how red in the face Finn had been the entire time, and how much Lady Lachesis was laughing. "She insisted?" he finally mumbled, finding a very interesting spot on the floor to stare at. "Don't tease me. I'm surprised you know how."

"It was an observation and a question. How was it teasing?" Yet Chulainn's smile was a little boyish and I barely muffled a laugh. "So, it was a successful dance."

"I at least didn't step on her feet?" That was an accomplishment! Dancing was hard. "A-anyway, I just wanted to check in and... um..." Finn looked up shyly, and rested a hand on his coat. It was the one Ethlyn had requested and I'd finished just a couple days ago. "I wanted to thank you for this, Alicia. It's wonderful."

"I fear I am still working on the cape, but it should be done soon," I promised, smiling warmly at him. I was glad it fit; I'd been worried about the measurements. Ethlyn had to sneak them to me, after all. "The wedding planning knocked me off schedule, so I know both are late."

"It's fine. I honestly didn't expect to get the traditional coat and cape at all." I figured as much. "It's almost a shame I'm not back in Leonster; I'd be the envy of the other squires."

"I see you're becoming adept at flattery." Still, I was glad he liked it, and, perhaps more importantly, he did not mind that I had been the one to make it. "Are you taking lessons from Sir Alec?"

"Do not joke about such matters. He's already threatened many times." Finn actually shuddered at the thought and I had to muffle a laugh. "R-regardless, I'd better head off Oifeye before he fills three plates for you. Should I keep your hiding place secret?"

"If one of ours asks, you may tell them, but no one else, please."

"Of course." He smiled brilliantly. "Enjoy the rest of the party."

"I hope you do as well, Finn." I waved him goodbye as he scampered off, and sipped more of my cider only to find I'd run out. "Oh…" Before I had a chance to be mildly sad about it, Chulainn took my empty glass and replaced it with a full one. "...When did you get this?"

"While you and Finn were talking," he answered easily. I could only stare because we hadn't talked that long after he teased Finn. "I warned the servants you'd be hiding here, so they make sure to swing near on their regular rounds about the room in case you need something."

"Do they?" I asked, surprised. Then I felt guilty. "I don't want to give them more work…"

"Given how much you've healed and fuss over them? They actually wanted to come regularly to check on you. This was the compromise." I… well… "No one is doing anything they don't want to do. I only told them so they weren't startled if they chose this corner to take a break." Mmm… while I could accept it logically, it was a little harder emotionally to believe. "Relax. Besides, we've more company." Indeed, we did and the newest guests were not surprising at all. Lex and Ayra didn't like parties anymore than I did.

"Wow, Chulainn, I'm surprised the knights haven't dragged you to the drinking contest," Lex used as his greeting, leaning against my chair while Ayra lingered by the window. Both had carried glasses of champagne. "Arden swore he'd do it."

"This sounds like all the more reason to remain exactly where I am," Chulainn replied, his words perfectly dry. Lex threw back his head and laughed. "What brings you two over here? I'd figured you'd mingle a while longer to find gossip fodder."

"Getting out of the crowd. Or, rather, getting her out of the crowd before she punches someone." Lex grinned and Ayra rolled her eyes. "Which, admittedly, would've been completely deserved in one case, and Sigurd would be on your side completely, but then Alicia will have to come out of hiding to treat injuries and we all agreed she's not working today.."

"What happened? I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to even hint at the war with Isaach in this crowd." Chulainn studied Ayra for a moment, like he could pick the answers from her brain. "My best guess would be something with Shannan. Probably related to his very important job during the ceremony."

"Got it in one!" Lex laughed again; Ayra grimaced. Maybe Chulainn did read minds. "We won't repeat what was said, but yeah, you got it."

"Well, now I'm curious."

"Look, it's a wedding, it's supposed to be peaceful, and the words would be enough to make even Alicia lose her temper." …Just what was said?! "No need for fiery ice today! We're not having that fancy of alcohol here." He grinned before nudging Ayra. "Still, I will admit I was surprised when I heard. Whether it's intentional or not, having Shannan involved in the wedding certainly becomes quite the political statement."

"That is precisely why Sigurd, Deirdre, and I discussed it at length before agreeing," Ayra revealed with a sigh. She downed the rest of her champagne in one gulp, like she was drowning whatever words had angered her. "Deirdre is the one who suggested it, thinking it might help him focus on something other than the assassins, and Sigurd liked it for the same reason." Of course the two would use their wedding as a means of helping Shannan move past trauma. I couldn't even be surprised. "Besides…" Ayra looked back to the room, smiling faintly when she easily found Shannan laughing and chatting with Dew and Lady Lachesis. "As Sigurd himself mentioned, his wedding drew on many other countries anyway. What was one more?"

"Hmm... actually, that's a fair point," Lex conceded, also draining his champagne. He took Ayra's empty glass away from her, and stepped out from the corner briefly to find a passing servant. A few words later, he returned with new, full glasses. "Alicia, Chulainn, I'm assuming neither of you want champagne, but…" Both of us shook our heads. "Figured. Now, anyway…" He handed Ayra one of the glasses. "What was I…? Oh, right, countries. We've got Verdane, Grannvale, Agustria, Leonster and the Munster District…" He snickered, sipping his champagne. "Wow, what a show of just how many powerful allies Sigurd has. Best part is it's completely unintentional."

"Don't say such things at a wedding." Ayra immediately scowled and he brought his hands up in surrender. "Political nonsense can wait a day."

"Do plots pause in Isaach during happy occasions? Because in Grannvale, they're the best excuse to set them in motion." Lex shrugged. "Hopefully, people take it more as Sigurd being Sigurd, and as a sign that Grannvale wishes to rebuild the broken trust between them and Isaach." Ayra grimaced, but Lex shook his head. "Whatever the hell happened, I think we can agree that good relations need to be rebuilt. On both sides. Same thing that happened here in Verdane, really." This was true. It couldn't have just been Sandima's manipulations which led King Batu to believe Grannvale would attack. If a single 'assassination attempt' and rumors could shake his trust, then it had already been worn away long ago. "I wonder if we could use recent events to gain sympathy…"

"Can we not bother with such-"

"Considering the castle was filled with servants and visitors, the attempted assassination attempt spread like wildfire within the day," Chulainn said, as blunt as always. I could only close my eyes; I actually already knew this, and I knew why it had spread. "Especially since many of those visitors were the town militia, former soldiers of Sigurd's army, and they were all very aware Alicia never runs. Thus, they knew immediately something had happened and investigated. These same former soldiers remember Shannan during his recovery, and as the shy child who slowly opened up to them. Meaning they were just as angered as the rest when they learned he was targeted."

"So there was never a chance to keep any of it quiet," Lex agreed, nodding. Ayra grimaced and looked away. "We might as well use that to our advantage."

"And minimize damage. The people in town are convinced someone in Grannvale sent the assassins, and this does not make them want to mend the burnt bridges. And we should assume Nordion has also heard about what happened since their rulers are here."

"Agustria might not care, since they usually only worry about their internal squabbles, but Verdane being hesitant will be a problem…" Lex looked out over the crowd, finding King Jamke was chatting with Quan about something. He'd only arrived today, a few hours before the ceremony, thanks to his duties delaying him. Now I wondered if he'd had to convince his advisors he should attend. I knew they were still very wary of us and our continued presence. "Problems for another day, though. Unless someone is stupid enough to attack during the wedding, this will all be thought of later." He looked around for some sort of distraction and hit one near instantly. "Alicia, you mind if I wave someone over?" I shook my head, not caring in the slightest. "Edain, over here!"

"Oh, Lex! Ayra, this is where you… ah, and there you are, Alicia!" With a smile and a laugh, Lady Edain joined us in the corner, all but radiating joy. I swore I saw those illusory sparkles around her again. "I've been trying to find your hiding place!" she explained. "Won't you dance a little more? You looked so elegant and I know there's a few wanting to ask."

"I think that is more of a testament to my dance partner's skills," I replied, shaking my head. I absolutely and completely did not want to dance more. "Unless those 'few' you mentioned are those I know from the army, I will continue sitting here."

"How did this get set up anyway? This area wasn't nearly as cozy when I checked before the ceremony." Just how fast did Chulainn set this up, then? "Oh, never mind. Are you sure? You really should have fun today."

"Dancing is not fun for me, but people-watching is." I smiled reassuringly, and she noticeably relaxed. Ah, she must've been very worried about that, then. "Let me decorate the walls."

"Then I suppose you'll be the prettiest of wall-flowers then."

"In the meantime, why don't you dance with Midir, Edain?" Lex suggested 'innocently. He even sipped his champagne to add to the 'nonchalant air'. Lady Edain, however, immediately went red. "He should be off guard duty soon, right?"

"You could also linger here to drink with us," Ayra added, her tone also brightly innocent. Her smile, however, was impish. "Though, given how red you already are…"

"Wow, you're right. Her face is really red. Redder than even Deirdre's!" Both grinned; Lady Edain's blush deepened. "Still, no sense in-"

"Lady Edain, speaking of Deirdre, can you check on her for me?" I asked, more to give Lady Edain an out than anything. She immediately gave me the most grateful look I'd ever seen. "I'm especially worried someone has tried to pull the 'bottomless glass' trick with her. I know some think it's good fun, but it won't be for her."

"Yes, I can do that, and I'll make sure she has some water just in case," Lady Edain agreed quickly. In fact, some of her words blended together, but I still caught enough. "I'll check on you all again later, all right?"

"Then we will see you then." I waved her goodbye as she all-but-ran from the corner and then turned to the snickering teasing duo with a frown. "You're both incorrigible."

"We probably should've made more small talk before teasing her," Ayra conceded, even as she continued snickering. Lex's unrepentant grin showed he had no regrets whatsoever. "Still, that was more of a reaction than I expected. I kept hearing about it in the army, but never understood why. Yet today…" She pointed to where Lady Edain had slipped back into the crowd and paused. It was soon clear why; she was staring at Sir Midir, who stood guard by the far entrance. "Her gaze always returns to him, without fail, and she always gets a silly smile on her face." I wouldn't call the smile 'silly'. I think 'loving' would be more accurate.

"Yes, now imagine those longing gazes at every social event. All of them. For the past four years," Lex drawled, now looking completely and utterly unamused. I'd even call him exasperated. "And, for the record, he's always fixated on her too, when he's not on duty. There's a reason Azelle never confessed and it's not just because his self-esteem is abysmal."

"Ah, I see. And if they're both more likely to trade longing looks when they're not working, it makes sense I rarely saw it. I usually spent time around her while she was working." Ayra tapped her cheek. "She and Midir are staying for a little bit, are they not?"

"Yes, since Yngvi has finally recovered enough for her to step away." Lex, for some reason, smirked. "Why?"

"Well..."

"Someone wants to teach her nephew how to sneak and the most perfect way to do so is spying on others," Chulainn noted dryly. Ayra frowned, while Lex laughed. "What? Was it not what you were going to suggest?"

"It was, but how did you know?" Ayra asked, still frowning. "It's not a usual thing for an aunt to teach her nephew."

"It's the perfect excuse to spy, and you have an adorable cover if anyone actually caught you."

"Well, that's true..." Ayra continued frowning, but I noticed Chulainn had tensed. "But..."

"If you are spying, then you are supposed to make a report, yes?" I 'asked', not truly curious about it. I only wanted to move the subject along. "Shall I take that role? I could even give status updates to Duke Ring. He complained about how slow they're moving when I saw him in Velthomer."

"That sounds perfect!" Lex agreed instantly. The only hint he too had noticed something was off was the quick glance between Ayra and Chulainn. "We can even phrase it as you being worried. That'll make Shannan far more likely to go along with it. You should've seen how attentive he was to Deirdre when you were in Velthomer."

"Oh, don't make him write reports like he did then. This should be in good fun."

"It'll be good practice for his penmanship, though!"

"Lex."

"S-sorry… but it would!"

Ayra soon joined in, laughing and joking with the rest of us while Chulainn watched in silence, a slight smile on his face. While we discussed the 'important particulars of reporting', I hunted for Sigurd and Deirdre in the crowd, finding them in the center of everything. They were arm in arm and smiling brightly, to the point they outshone the sun and moon and stars. I… I hoped they would always be this happy. I truly and dearly wished for it.

---

Author's notes: Wedding, wedding~ And uh... some angst? Sure, why not? The rhyme 'something old, something new' technically has an extra line about a 'sixpence in your shoe', but most seem to ignore that line anyway. For Isaachian tea, I leaned more into Korean teas, with the pleorula in particular being based on their yuja tea. As typical for Fire Emblem Mothers, Sigurd's is not named, so I pulled from the mythological Sigurd for Hiordis's name. Shannan's mother is similarly nameless, so I went with Clionadh. While it's apparently the name of the Queen of Banshees, in some stories, it is also apparently the name of a goddess of love and beauty.