The sound of a soft dripping sound forced Anje's eyes open. She felt stiff and slightly sore as her vision cleared; the warmth of Virion nestled against her back was a comfort as much as the leak in the ceiling wasn't. Anje groaned as she rolled over, trying to gently peel Virion's hands away. Her head throbbed as she set his hand aside, a soft and elegant snore flubbed from Virion, and Anje sat up and stretched her arms out.
Today was when the real work would begin. They had their troupe, the supplies, and now they just needed to perform and find a way into the city. Using performers to smuggle a variety of things from illicit goods, people, to information was nothing new. A guise of misdirection crafted by being bombastic and distracting where people would be mesmerized by the flashy displays rather than asking the more poignant questions. It had worked in eastern Europe, and Anje saw no doubt the consider that Valm would be any different.
Work won't do itself, Anje mused as she rotated her hips and began to stretch her legs. Still, I wish I didn't sleep in my clothes. I'll need a bath soon enough. She stood on one leg like a flamingo, stretching her quad. But no nightmares still. Empty dreams. I'll take that.
Virion remained steadfast asleep; a slight annoyance to Anje as his face and hair remained idyllic despite hers being a tousled mess. With a huff of annoyance, she slipped on her boots and ran her fingers through the knots in her blonde locks, and slipped out the door and downstairs in search of breakfast.
Anje stifled a yawn as she walked down the steps of the inn, entering the common room that doubled as a tavern. A few sailors hunched over their meager fishy breakfasts were scattered throughout the room. She wiped the crusty sleep from her eyes and squinted across the room at the only two people she immediately recognized: Nowi and Gregor.
The inn in the daytime wasn't much more pleasant than she remembered it. Chairs with mismatched legs, a dirty floor, and shouts from a kitchen behind a depressing bar dominated the room of dreary occupants. Morning light flooded into the room from the windows near the front door, casting a harsh glare that reflected off the glossy paint on the walls that had begun to peel at various places.
Should I? Anje pursed her lips and kept her eyes squinted on the pair as Gregor seemed to be lecturing the small girl. With a shrug, Anje trudged over to their booth. Breakfast took priority over pettiness.
"Morning," Anje drowsily announced with a quick wave. "Eating?"
Gregor turned and gave a quick nod. "Aye, we be." He looked back to the manakete with a lopsided frown. "Please go get some vegetables. You want to be big and strong like Gregor, no?"
"They smell funny!" Nowi protested, sticking her tongue out. "Plus, I can be big and strong whenever I want!"
Anje scooted next to Gregor and rested her elbows on the table. She gave the pile of unskinned fish on Nowi's plate a disapproving glare, nearly coughing as the fish-flavored fumes wafted toward her. "What in the fuck is that."
"Dragon food, duh!" Nowi replied. She bit into a chunk of the small mackerel, chewing for a moment before swallowing the piece bones and all. "Meat is yummy. Much better than gross vegetables."
"But you need both. It is important for good diet," Gregor countered. He scooped up some of his own brownish mash with a spoon and slurped it down. "Try it, Nowi. You will like it."
Anje forced a smile as she observed both their meals. "Is there a third option?"
Gregor smirked. "Alcohol."
"I want some-"
Gregor bonked Nowi on her forehead with his wooden spoon. She recoiled and rubbed the little red spot. "Eat your pile of meat, little one. You're lucky Gregor is responsible," the wisened mercenary chided. "It is good Gaius is not here."
Anje whipped her head around, scanning the room. "Speaking of dumbasses, where is he?"
Gregor shrugged and ate another spoonful of slop. "He pretended to sleep in. Probably at market bartering."
"You mean stealing candy!" Nowi blurted out. A few sailors dared look over at their booth, but quickly returned to their meals.
"That is what Gregor said, yes? We all work in our own ways."
"Right," Anje muttered. She waved over to a waitress dressed in a tattered apron and stained blue blouse. The woman hustled over with a menu, but Anje shook her head. "Just fetch me something that won't make me puke."
The woman nodded and hustled behind the bar.
"Ahh, so you order the alcohol," Gregor mused with a slight nod. "Wise."
"Uh, is nothing else edible?"
"Considering the little one ordered all the fish," Gregor pointed to the mound of meat in front of Nowi, "No. It is leftovers. Quite bad, but not worst Gregor has had." He patted his muscular stomach and smiled. "Have good tolerance. Unlike most picky eaters from Ylisse or Plegia."
"Where are you from again?" Anje asked.
Gregor chuckled. "It is secret. Only Gregor need to know."
"Pretty sure from his mom," Nowi offhandedly said, her mouth full of fish. "That's where I came from. But it's been a while, so I dunno."
The waitress came back and dropped off a mug of amber-colored ale that smelt of rye in front of Anje. She gave it a tentative taste; its harsh earthy flavors nearly causing her to gag.
"Fuck, that tastes like wet dirt," Anje gasped, doing her best to ignore Nowi's giggles.
Gregor hummed and leaned over the drink, smelling the vapors. "Yes, but dirt is cleaner than the water here. Drink up."
Could be worse. At least it'll put me in a better mood. Anje held the mug close and nursed sips from it as she observed the bustle of the common room. Poor bastards got shitty breakfast because Nowi eats her body's weight worth of food. Damn dragon people.
The rain over Grieth had stopped, allowing a few rays of light to illuminate the dour grays and browns that made up the roads and buildings. Anje placed her single bag of belongings on a rickety wooden cart. Anna had been able to get three of them from what Anje had been told.
To say they weren't on speaking terms would be a tad of an understatement. The contract the merchant had drafted for Virion's group contained a very specific clause about 'proximity' concerning Anje. The bloodstains on Anje's knuckles and purple bruise that dominated Anna's left cheek said enough for the strike team of how negotiations had gone.
"Got everything packed up?"
The pale hairs on Anje's forearms rose. She turned around and gave Cherche a slight nod. "Good as it'll be. Where's Virion? Still getting dressed or something?"
"Not quite," Cherche hummed. She glanced around at the other members packing up and then took Anje by the arm, pulling her to the side of the wagon wedged between inn, a small alley away from prying eyes. "We need a quick chat before we depart."
"Am I in trouble? Is this about the merchant?" Anje asked.
"Partially." Cherche leaned back and crossed her arms. Her eyes looked Anje up and down, making the blonde fidget underneath the analytical gaze. "We need to talk about your anger."
"I'm working on it, trust me-"
"No, no more of that. FIx it," Cherche said in a clipped tone. "Virion likes you. He trusts you. Not many have earned such high praise from Virion, let alone bed him more than once. And now with me being sent away on important matters I need to ensure now that Virion returned he will be safe. I would rather not let a...lapse in judgment be the difference."
Anje bit the inside of her cheek and nodded. "I understand, I-I get it I do. I'm trying."
"Then I suggest you try for my lord's safety as well as yours," she lowered her voice and gave Anje a scrutinizing look, "or I will find you. If I have it my way, Valm will be the last place you visit. Understood?"
Anje swallowed hard and her palms felt slick with sweat. "Y-yes."
She's going to fucking kill me and feed me to her damn lizard. Shit shit shit-
"Excellent. That is rather fortuitous. I wanted to wait until I got a feel for you so to speak," Cherche casually said. "I see how you look at Virion, and I know you care. But you mustn't lose yourself, despite how infuriating an obstacle becomes. A double-edged sword is tricky to master, and best be careful you do not cut yourself on it." She let out a single, mirthless chuckle. "For instance, I've had to reel my own anger back as my homeland burns underneath the heel of a tyrant. That merchant nearly felt my own wrath if it were not for Cordelia."
"About Walhart..." Anje mused, her voice evening out as she gathered her wits. "Do we really stand a chance? You say what he did to those people back on that island. The smell of it…"
Cherche hummed and nodded. "True. He is a monster. Some even think he is a god, but that is not the case. It will take passionate people such as ourselves to restore order and help the people of Valm see the truth."
"What truth is that? Not sticking people on pikes is a bad thing?"
"That Walhart is a man. Gods do not bleed or fear. But men do," Cherche said softly. She placed a hand on Anje's shoulder and squeezed. "We must remind them of what they have forgotten. Through a way that will not leave Valm a graveyard, for no lord nor sovereign wishes to become a caretaker of the dead I imagine."
"Last call!" Anna's voice boomed out.
Already? Damn woman moves fast, Anje thought. She looked at Cherche who was wide-eyed and distracted by looking around the corner. Well, she's high-strung. A bit like me I suppose.
"Cherche," Anje said, dragging the wyvern rider's attention back. She lifted the hand from her shoulder and smiled. "I'll be the best I can for Virion. For the rest of you. It's been so long since I've had a home, that I've forgotten what it's been like to miss one."
"What about Ferox or the circus you were in previously?"
Anje grimaced. "Just because you live there, doesn't mean it's home. At least not to me." Anje patted Cherche back on the shoulder, earning an appreciative nod. "Anything else before you leave?"
"Yes, actually," Cherche replied. "Anything I should be privy to about your tactician. Heading for the Mila Tree amid a war is a gamble. He barely relinquished the information as I'm serving as his guide."
"What's that? Sounds special. Religion or a town or something?"
"A religious site," Cherche elaborated. "One most sacred across all of Valm. It was quickly called a demilitarized zone by the monks, and everyone has agreed to give it a wide berth. Even Walhart agreed without objection." She rubbed her chin and frowned. "It's just rather odd. Besides the historical significance, it's just an empty plot of land."
"Maybe it's going to be a base? I'm sure Robin has a good reason," Anje said with a shrug. "I try not to think about the whole tactics thing too hard. I'm more of a 'point and I stab' kind of girl."
Cherche laughed; a lyrical and enchanting tone that rang out across the salty morning breeze. "I knew I liked you. Please do take care of yourself and Virion while I'm away. May your arrows fly straight and your blade taste blood."
"Right," Anje responded, but Cherche was already marching away towards the increasingly loud shouts from Anna.
A small shiver ran down Anje's spine as she slowly made her way towards the main group heading to Rosanne. She still gives me a weird vibe. Her only emotion is being pleasant, and that's not right for someone who talks about murder as much as she does. Anje paused in her stride. Wait, am I the normal one?
"Thorn, move your butt!"
"Fuck off, Gaius!" Anje quickly retorted, nearly baring her teeth.
She brushed a blonde lock out of her hair and hustled toward the remaining two wagons; the third one leaving from the Western entrance with Robin at the front and Cherche mounting her wyvern, Minerva, to guide them through the Southern rough lands and valleys of Rosanne.
Anje jumped up into the covered transport wagon, wedging herself beside Virion and Olivia with Gaius, Nowi, and Gregor on the opposite side. She noticed Cordelia's belongings near the front with the rest of everyone else's more intimate supplies.
She's probably out riding Aurora. Can't blame her. Better than being stuffed inside here with the rest of this lot. Anje sighed and ran a hand through her hair, pulling a knot out of her messy braid. I need to go flying again.
"We are all present, Lady Anna!" Virion called out. "Onwards to Rosanne!"
Side conversations erupted immediately with Gaius' poor flirting attempts with Olivia fully in swing and Gregor trying to show Nowi some kind of counting game. Relief washed over Anje like a river seeing she wouldn't have to face anyone. The trepidation in her heart settled as she noticed nobody give her a second questionable or scathing glance.
Anje leaned her head against Virion's shoulder. "How long is it going to be?"
"A few days if the weather holds." He wrapped his arm around Anje and pulled her close. He whispered, "I take it Cherche talked with you? I told her not to go too hard on you. Are you well?"
"Fine," Anje whispered back. "Just...gave me more to think about. What I've got to do. Getting us properly in disguise and not blowing up like an idiot."
Virion hesitated for a moment and hummed in agreeance. "Tis a noble goal. But do not let that fear grip your heart. It controls us more than I care to admit, lest I would know, wouldn't I?"
"You're not a coward," Anje insisted. "Fuck what the others say. You've returned. Most would find a hole and stay there. But you didn't. You made good on your promise."
"So I did. So I did," Virion said, rolling the words slowly around in his mouth. "But not without proper help and coaxing, mind you."
"Oh?" Anje raised an eyebrow and looked up at her lover. "Who told you to return?"
"Gaius initially suggested it, but it was Robin's insistence that solidified it," Virion conceded. He gave a careful look toward the other in the wagon, before whispering, "What I thought was a stroke of luck has left me concerned. I have this feeling in my gut that I'm being played. Something's off, but I can't put my finger on it."
"You're being weird again," Anje chided, poking Virion in the ribs playfully. "Afraid something might go right?" She paused and leaned into his ear. "Unless you think someone is a spy for Walhart or something?"
"A possibility," Virion quietly conceded. "Rarely do I find myself lacking an answer or witty response." He flashed a coy smile. "Spank me later as a reprimand for my underperforming behavior?"
Anje rolled her eyes. "Only if you return the favor. I've been quite bad myself."
"You two are icky."
Anje wheeled around to face the jittery manakete, her braided ponytail slapping the smaller girl in the face. "I don't remember asking your opinion! Besides, you're like twelve!"
"Nuh-uh!" Nowi blew a raspberry at Anje and then leaned back in her seat cackling. "You are nasty!"
Anje wrinkled her nose and glared at the manakete, but bit her tongue to hold back another caustic retort. I know she's not twelve which makes it even weirder. I almost keep forgetting she can transform into a fucking dragon, and hardly anybody here bats an eye.
Virion rubbed Anje's back as she massaged her temples with her forefingers. She would need to keep her cool and think logically; not the easiest of feats by any stretch of the imagination. But it was about performance. It was in her wheelhouse of expertise.
The rocky road jostled the wagon, lifting everyone off their seats for a moment. Nowi chittered and Gaius groaned as his head hit the wooden frame. Olivia hovered over him like a mother hen, inspecting his skull for any exterior damage.
All the damage is on the inside, Olivia. Anje looked over to Gregor who had crossed his arms and closed his eyes and appeared to be napping already. The old merc's chest rose and fell slowly, but Anje noticed his lips twitch occasionally. He's listening to every word we speak. Just probably a habit from being a long-time merc.
As the group ventured further into enemy territory, Virion's demeanor seemed to shrivel as he gazed out at the scenery. The passage into the Rosannean forests leading into the mainland was a pale imitation of the grandiose stories he had concocted around campfires.
No verdant trees or birds singing in songs. No friendly travelers willing to converse or trade. Even the sun shied away from the land, hiding behind dark clouds that cackled with distant thunder.
The once fertile forests had become a twisted glade with charred stumps, torn up roads with snapped off arrow shafts sticking out of the road, and an eerie silence that stretched through the forest. They had entered the predator's lair and the desiccated forestry reminded Anje of the bones one might find in the cave of The Walrus in the frigid wastes of Regna Ferox.
Anje and Virion huddled closely against each other the night came. Nobody spoke a word as Anna hollered at them that she'd be stopping for camp that night. Cordelia descended from the air shortly after, her face mournful as she gave Aurora some pets.
No stories were told around the campfire that night. The moon was absent in the sky as the group gathered around the fire, staring into the inferno with their thoughts.
Griel was just the tip, Anje thought as she looked down at her meager rations. Gregor had decided to cook; an ominous sign. He never volunteered to cook, despite his skills being serviceable. Anje looked back to Virion, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, but it was the poorest attempt she'd seen from the jovial man in quite some time. He's trying not to freak us out. He didn't know how fucked shit was. This is scorched earth bullshit. It's almost…like where I came from. Almost.
"So," Gaius said, breaking the silence. "This is your home, Ruffles? And here I thought Plegia was bad…"
"It wasn't always like this," Virion said with a somber voice. He set his soup bowl down and looked up at the starry sky. "A little over a year ago it was a lush expanse of delectable fruit, trade, and harmony. So quickly how things changed. Perhaps I should have stayed." He chuckled, though it lacked the enthusiasm and energy Anje had come to love. "But alas I wouldn't have met you all. We wouldn't be here to bring valor and honor back to my homeland, and I may have very well ended up on a pyre."
"We will succeed," Anje adamantly protested. She wiped her lips with her sleeve and gave everyone in the circle a serious glance. "It's because everyone is scared and hopeless. We can fix that. This is still new and we have a chance before it becomes normal. Before even the thought of hope is gone."
"Anje," Olivia gently cooed, "what do you think we can do?"
What was it that Cherche said? Something about remembering...
"I'm...not sure. But I do know what it's like to be hopeless." She shifted and exchanged a knowing look with Virion. "We have to get people to remember. Before the memory is gone." She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her shin. "Before it's all gone and they forget why they were fighting in the first place."
"She's right. We must persevere, even when the people of Valm shall not," Cordelia replied. "Evil has made a nest here. We all feel it, like the land itself has been sucked dry. The people of Grieth were mere shadows of themselves," she gave a pointed look at Anna, "and only those who feed off such energy thrive here."
"Demonize me all you want, rider," Anna protested hotly. "Blame me for being resilient? Absurdity. Perhaps the sorry people here could learn a thing or two from me instead of sulking."
"Not everyone can bear the scars of war so easily," Gregor grumbled in a low tone. "It is challenge. Most aren't good at it. It is duty of those who can bear the scars to be better."
Anje chewed on her lower lip. The frigid evening air chilled her to the bone, a burning sensation taking root lungs as she inhaled and exhaled. She hadn't come for a pity party, thinking about what insurmountable task lay before them.
He's just a man…
Anje stood up and brushed the dust off her linen pants. "I'm going for a walk. Let me know if I'm on watch tonight when I get back."
Virion nodded, his hands folded underneath his chin as he looked into the fire. He's really trying to think of a plan. It's always something big when he gets quiet.
Anna grumbled something unintelligible, but Anje ignored it. She'd already settled her squabble with the merchant and had vowed to not mettle again. Pulling her hair back to fix her ponytail, Anje trotted off into the dimly lit woods.
The jagged treeline had swallowed up the sun like the maw of a sea monster. Faint outlines and the snapping of twigs underfoot echoed out as Anje ventured forth through the brush. Being cooped up in a wagon all day surrounded by small talk had ground her nerves into dust.
Not going to be responsible for the next argument, Anje mused as she hopped over a boulder. We've all got the jitters like just before we're about to perform. We just need to do it. Easier then-
A twig snapped behind Anje. In a swift motion with deft fingers, she slipped her hunting knife from her waistband sheath and slung the weapon at the source of the noise. It made a hollow sound as the knife sunk into a tree, catching a piece of fabric. She held her breath and squinted through the darkness at the silhouette.
"Merciful Naga, Thorn!"
"Are you alright?" A softer voice called out.
Gaius and Olivia.
"What are you doing? I said I was going for a walk," Anje tersely replied. She had caught Gaius' by the pauldron, pinning him to the tree. "You could have said something. Unless you wanted to be my target practice."
"Why'd you throw a dagger?!" Gaius cried out as Olivia yanked free the hunting knife.
The dancer flipped the weapon around to where she held the blade and extended her arm out to Anje. With a huff, Anje trudged forward and retrieved her blade. She twirled it once, admiring the sharp edge as Olivia helped brush Gaius off.
"It's dangerous out here," Olivia warned, giving Anje a disapproving look. "We came to make sure you didn't get lost or worse."
"Yeah, and you saw how I would handle the problem." Anje spun the knife in her palm. "Dagger to the face."
"Still, could be Risen, bandits, or Valmese scouts," Olivia said.
"Exactly," Gaius added with a frown. "But, I suppose being twitchy ain't all a bad thing."
Anje sighed and leaned back against a nearby tree. And so goes the waiting game, she thought. Still, the work won't do itself.
"So, you've followed me. What now. Care to spar?" Anje offered, gesturing to Gaius and Olivia. "It always helps distract me. It's that or we can work on improving your dance moves, Gaius."
"Hey now, they're not that bad," Gaius protested.
A strained smile spread across Olivia's face. "Gaius, they're...uh, well…"
"You move like a baby deer with three legs," Anje said. Gaius scoffed, but Olivia patted his back as if to console him. "So, what's it gonna be, thief boy? Knife fight or dance?"
Gaius rubbed the back of his head and grimaced. "I feel like I'll get stabbed either way…"
"Seriously," Anje muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I offer to help, and you gotta bitch about it."
"Go on." Olivia gave Gaius a push forward. "You need the practice anyway, and having good footwork helps more than just dancing. Anje will be gentle, right?"
Anje rolled her eyes. "If he steps on me, I'm kicking him in the balls."
"It's already dark though! I can barely see my feet, how am I supposed to know where to step?"
"Easy," Anje said, striding up the thief. She grasped his left hand and pulled him close, wrapping her right hand around his waist. "Just follow my lead, and Olivia will help you get the rhythm and spacing down. Not being able to see will help you remember. I used to practice aerials blindfolded."
"Wasn't that hard?" Gaius asked. "And shouldn't I lead since I'm the guy?"
Anje grinned and began to move in step, leading him by the arm and a gentle push against his waist. "It gets better with time. Something about being more in tune with your body or something. It just works." She twirled Gaius, and Olivia scooched him to the side a bit, resetting him. "And to lead, you've got to earn it, thief."
"And you make an adorable compliment," Olivia gushed. "The way you twirl and spin is so cute!"
"Hooray…" Gaius spun again, dragging his feet through the twiggy underbrush. "This really is the pinnacle of masculinity."
"There is no shame in learning, Gaius," Olivia giggled. "Teaching Anje to dance in the ice of Regna Ferox had its own difficulties. It's a partnership and one person cannot overpower the other. You must move as one."
"Both of you, shut your faces," Anje chided. Her eyes were closed, but she continued to sway to the rhythm inside her heart. Virion had been relentless in teaching her some of the finer things, and luckily dancing for an acrobat wasn't a huge leap to make.
Their hot breath swirled in the cool summer air, with Anje resting the side of her head against Gaius' jaw. She felt him swallow and remain rigid in posture.
She is probably glaring at me. Her eyes flicked to the dancer where the moonlight cast down on her pale face illuminated a hint of red on her cheeks. Anje grinned and held Gaius a bit tighter, pressing the small of his back against her torso. His form became even more rigid and stilted. We wanted a distraction from all the nonsense and fighting, so here you go Olivia.
Olivia stood close and watched with a keen eye, gently nudging Gaius to and fro every few steps. The complaints simmered down as he locked eyes with Anje; her eyes gleamed in the moonlight like a dagger's point. He'd occasionally steal a glance at Olivia, though his partner and instructor were inching closer as the dance dragged on.
"Alright, I think we've had enough practice." Olivia abruptly said, sliding her arms in between Gaius and Anje, splitting them apart. Her face was flush, all the way to her nose looking a bit rosy. "You, umm, I think you've got it down. We should go back to camp. They're probably wondering where we are at, if enemies found us, if anybody-"
"Relax, Liv," Anje said with a laugh on her lips. " I think we're good anyway. Gaius, why don't you head on back? We'll catch up in just a moment."
"Uh, you sure?" Gaius asked.
"Oh yeah. I'm sure Olivia will practice with you much later. She'll make a gentleman out of you whether you like it or not," Anje replied, motioning to shoo the rogue away. "Now get going!"
Gaius nodded and bumbled his way out of the woods back towards the faint light of campfire through the trees. Olivia and Anje watched in silence until certain the thief was out of earshot and not skulking in the shadows. The sounds of boots crushing leaves soon faded and Anje gave Olivia a bump with her hips, nearly knocking the pinkette off balance.
"You are so rude!" Olivia crossed her arms and stomped her foot. "Why did you have to get so close to him! You know how much I-" She caught herself and blushed, immediately locking eyes with her feet.
Anje elbowed Olivia in the side and snickered. "So that's how much you like him. Was just making sure since he's crazy about you."
"Well...I suppose you make a good point." Olivia sighed and began to play with a loose curl of pink hair. "Just don't do that again, okay?"
"Easy. He's a terrible dancer." Anje stuck out her tongue and grabbed Olivia's wrist. "Now, let's get back to camp. I'd rather be close to someone that I actually find attractive, despite how much fun it is to see you try and look like a tomato."
Olivia didn't respond, earning a few cackles of delight from the acrobat. At least she knows when to quit. But, at least now she's just all hot and bothered. Better than dwelling on fighting on some large asshole. Anje vaulted over a log; the breeze blowing her hair back. And I feel better. Huh. Maybe next time I'll ask Gaius if I can stab him. See if that works just as well.
The duo cut through the stretching shadows and into the small camp where a smoldering fire remained. Gregor sat nearby with his elbows resting on his thighs and gave both women a curt nod as they entered. Olivia waved and immediately dashed toward her tent. Anje shook her head and went toward her tent; Virion had decided to decorate the entrance with a few silk tapestries that she was pretty sure he requisitioned Gaius to steal from the ship they had stayed on.
Anje opened the tent flap and her limbs felt heavy and lethargic. A stressful ride and thoughts about the looming future weighed her down. The gentle sounds of Virion snoring were able to draw forth a small smile on her face as she kicked off her boots and began to strip off her armor, leaving her in her padded pants and a thin cotton t-shirt that clung to her body from a mix of sweat build up over days without a proper wash.
Smells awful too. Anje peeled the shirt off and rummaged through Virion's bag for a replacement. In the event of an ambush, she'd rather not be half-naked. Soldiers might be shocked for a moment, but Risen wouldn't care. She slipped on a loose-fit v-neck shirt of Virion's, fidgeting with the cuffs and rolling them up to her elbow.
The ground was hard and the blankets were only vaguely warm as she snuggled up against Virion's backside. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly as if he might float away. Sure a bed in a tavern or barrack would be better, but couldn't fight off the satisfied smile from her face.
People were filled with doubt and unease with the days to come. Who better to teach them to kill the jitters and nerves than her? She wasn't a hero like Chrom, a genius like Robin, or someone of particular honor like Virion. Deep down, Anje knew she would never be any of those things. But she didn't want to be.
Anje was a performer. No matter what she did, that would always be her identity. Those around her would need her confidence.
They've helped me improve. Now it's time to return the favor and give them some swagger.
Anje closed her eyes and breathed in and out softly. She'd have her work cut out for her. Every day wasted was another day the country of the man she loved burned a little bit more. No mistakes. No redos. They'd have one shot at making it right, and Anje's plan of action was simple as her approach to every problem.
Face it head-on, and strike the vitals.
"Could you loosen it a bit? Feels a little too tight."
Anje tugged on the corset again. A sharp whistle of air blew past Cordelia's lips, followed by a groan of disapproval.
"It's because we need to add appeal. People are going to be watching you." Anje quickly tied up the back strings. "Think of it...as your armor."
Cordelia groaned again. "I don't think any sanctioned armor is meant to reveal this much cleavage and show the entire side of my thighs." A shiver ran down the redhead's spine. "It's utterly scandalous. To think if anybody else in the Shepherds saw me like...this."
"Vaike would probably think he's dreaming," Anje snickered. "Probably punch himself in the face to double-check."
"Not helping," Cordelia growled. She turned around, facing the smirking blonde. She pointed and made a sour face. "Why don't you have to wear a corset? You're completely covered!"
"Yeah, in a leotard. I need to be slippery and sleek," Anje said, running her hands down the skin-tight maroon and blue outfit. It had frills made of feathers attached to the underside of her arms. "I'm just lucky Virion is a sewing expert. Whoever last wore this was one long bitch."
Cordelia scowled and folded her arms underneath her exaggerated bust. "The fact that he has to do the least work in this silly endeavor…"
"He's doing all the backstage work and keeping the show going," Anje said. "Literally the most important job here to keep things running smoothly." She covered her mouth with a hand, trying to fight back a smile. "Besides, we could always put Virion in the corset instead. I'm sure he'd look great. Maybe even enjoy it."
Cordelia's cheeks turned as red as her hair. "W-w-why you-"
"Relax," Anje easily replied. "I was only joking."
Not really. He makes any outfit just work. The sexy bastard.
"We done here?" Cordelia asked. "I'd like to get this event over with as soon as possible. I fear my ribs may collapse."
"Soon," Anje said, much to Cordelia's dismay. "Olivia will swap with me and do your hair. Gotta get that red of yours looking majestic. Cause the 'hair down and combed' isn't going to cut it in a show. You groom Aurora more than your own mane."
Cordelia whispered a few choice words under her breath that Anje couldn't catch. Something about 'Risen', 'literally anywhere else', and 'for the mission'. The tent flap rustled and Olivia entered with a soft smile. Her pale hair cascaded down her shoulders in several ringlets, all spouting from a high ponytail. Anje nodded to her fellow performance veteran and left the tent with a hop to her step.
They had reached the outskirts of Rosanne after a week on the road. After finding a nearby stream to wash up in, a flat area near the roadside, and unpacking the various poles and sheets of fabric from Anna's wagons. The very wagons Anje was banned from touching or approaching in any matter for the duration of their work.
Anje placed her hands on her hips and admired the large rounded tent. The weather had cleared from an expanse of ashen clouds to an anemic sun that now poked through the cover. It was a pleasant display if one ignored the pikes sticking out of the ground in the distance with the black and pink charred remains of Valmese rebels dangling off the sharpened tips.
Gregor and Gaius did a nice job setting up the big tent. Anje strode toward the boy's prep tent and threw the flap back. She squinted her eyes and scanned the confines, settling on Virion who was seated with Gaius, helping him don his striped maroon and blue jester-like outfit.
"Someone is- oh." Gaius' expression fell. "It's you. Do I really have to wear the jester costume? We could at least take off the bells…"
"And ruin the vision of the designer?" Virion balked. He helped slip Gaius' foot into the tight pointed slipper, shoving his toes in with a grunt. "You have an image to fit, my good sir! Oh, how I am jealous of you."
Gaius grimaced. "Yeah, real jealous I'm sure," he mused. "Not every day I get to actually look like a fool."
"Keep that up, and we'll never let you take that outfit off," Anje snidely commented. She sauntered over to Virion, leaning against his shoulder. "How are things on the business front with Anna?"
"She's got tickets out into the city. Wrote up the parchment with her just last night." Virion pulled the other snug shoe onto Gaius' foot. "She's out right now selling. Apparently, it's going well. People are starved for a distraction from the war, and I presume they will flock to us in droves!"
Anje nodded. "That's great. They're buying the cover that we're from Ferox?"
Virion shrugged and handed Gaius the jingly jester hat. "A bit. More so I think that they don't care. I've even spotted some soldiers gawk at us from the road, a few even ask Anna about the show." A grin spread across his lips and he waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "We just need now to draw the attention of the Valmese, catch their attention like a fair maiden with a loose blouse. Listen as they watch us strut, and assess the damage that they've done to my home."
"Any news so far?" Anje asked.
"Only a snippet from this morning's carousing with Anna," Virion admitted, rolling his tongue around slowly in his mouth. "There's a newly appointed leader of Rosanne. One of Walhart's top advisors."
"Who is he?" Gaius said, leaning forward. He fidgeted with his shoes; his toes scrunched up at the end a bit. "They some noble you know?"
Virion sighed. "She. Alas, I do not. I figured it would have been one of the traitorous houses from Rosanne or a baron near the Wyvern Valley. But no, it is someone else. An upstart that has swept through the courts of Zofia from what Anna could tell me." He waved dismissively and leaned back in his wooden chair with his arms crossed. "It shouldn't be much to worry about. Young politicians are eager to prove themselves, and in that, boastful langauge loose tongues are to be expected."
Someone Virion doesn't know. Unpredictable, but we could use it. Anje gripped Virion's shoulder tightly. "I should get to practice. I'll let you handle the talking. I'll just do what I do best."
"Of course." Virion stood up and kissed Anje softly on the cheek. "Please do give Gregor my thanks. That man works like a dozen oxen!"
"Got it." Anje returned the gesture with a lingering kiss on the lips. She broke it off at the sound of Gaius coughing, shooting him a scathing glance. "It'll be fine. People need to be entertained, and nobles are going to want us, right?"
Virion laughed. "Like inviting a hungry predator into the chicken coop!"
Anje snatched Gaius by the wrist and dragged the somber jester behind her. She went directly toward the big gaudy tent, slipping underneath one of the canvas sheets.
Time to put on a show.
"This," Anna held up a fistful of coins, "Is what I'm about."
The remainder of the strike team, Virion, and Gregor sat around a large makeshift table in the center of the big tent. Everyone else was in their private quarters resting from a long night.
Two oil lanterns rested on the table as Anna counted the coin from the evening's performance. Anje still thought it poor manners that Anna was taking a portion of the tips. Not even her slimy past manager took those from her former troupe, but a deal was a deal because of 'details in a contract'.
Maybe I should have hit her a bit harder. Knock some sense and decency into this bandit. You don't take tips!
Anje stood up from the table. She rotated her hips and rolled her neck "I'm going to go get some rest. I'm a bit sore."
"I'll be along shortly, love," Virion said, his eyes fixated on Anna's quick-moving hands as she sorted the coin. "Just making sure the deal here is upheld."
Anna glanced upward. "You dare question an Anna's honesty?"
Virion let out a low chuckle. "Of course. I'm no fool."
Anna shrugged and went back to her busy work. Anje gave a short wave to Gregor to which he replied with the slightest of nods. She trudged back toward her shared tent, her limbs heavy as if being dragged down by a sack of bricks. It had been a while since she'd gone through a full routine.
Uneven bars. Trapeze. A floor routine with Olivia. And then back on the bars. Rinse and repeat with just enough breaks slotted in between so that she did not fall to exhaustion. Her skin was still damp with sweat; the taste of salt lingering on her lips. She welcomed it like a long-lost friend.
Outside the tent, the moon was situated high in the sky in its full glory without curtains of clouds surrounding it. Lights to the West could be seen peeking over the silhouettes of the high walls into the Rosannean capital. A wondrous view of light spilling out of the city like an overflowing chalice, yet spoiled by the faint scent of rotten meat that lingered on the air.
Anje wandered toward the dirt road. Imprints of boots still could be made out in the moonlight to where people had lined up. It was a full house and a splendid performance, despite the lack of actual profit. From children to the elderly, they all flocked to them in an excitement-starved frenzy that roused into a performance that had been near flawless from Gaius' juggling to Cordelia's masterful riding skills.
Even Nowi managed to garner quite the crowd as a manakete. Most people had only heard of the mythical race of people, and to have one up close? At least Nowi reveled in the attention. Rather than be offended at all the children and adults alike wanting to poke and prod at her like any sane person, she preened in her draconic form with glee.
Anje shivered. I'd probably bite someone if they did that shit to me. She's more patient than I figured her for.
The sounds of a faint gallop rose on the wind. Anje squinted down the road and saw the silhouette of a single rider. Her hand drifted toward her boot knife; the first thing she had changed out, despite still wearing the sweat-stained leotard. Comfortable shoes took priority.
The rider slowed as it approached; a man in darkened armor with the crest of a wyvern's face adorning the shield that rested on the side of his saddle. He kept the horse at a low trot and approached Anje, holding something in his hand.
"For you and your troupe," An airy and calm voice like a fresh spring gale came from the rider, holding out a sealed letter. He wore an open face helmet but wore a mask over his eyes that left the bottom half of his pale face exposed in the moonlight. "From the Duchess of Rosanne. Take it."
Anje clenched her fist and banished thoughts of the dagger in her boot. She quickly scurried up to the man and snatched the note. "What is this about?"
"Just read it," the man snorted.
The masked rider stared at Anje for a moment, his expression unreadable.
"Yeah? Gonna paint a picture or something?"
He coughed into his gauntleted fist. "Apologizes. I just realized I missed the show. Been a while since I've seen one. Good evening…"
The rider whipped his mount with the reigns and bolted back toward the city at a blistering pace. Anje covered her face and coughed at the dust cloud he had kicked up.
Fucking weirdo. Anje looked at the letter in her hands, tracing her thumb over the wax seal on the back with the insignia of a wyvern's head. Still, this looks important.
She tore into the note, unfurling a scented parchment. Her nose wrinkled as she tried to read the artistic letter in the faint moonlight, her eyes tearing each word apart syllable by syllable.
"Virion would like this...uses a lot of fancy nonsense words," Anje grumbled. Her eyes lit up as she got to the bottom of the letter. "And there we go."
She recognized the words 'you all' and 'invited to perform'.
Pride swelled within Anje's chest. She pumped a fist in the air and fought the urge to squeal. No one was watching, so letting loose a bit in the shadows wouldn't draw her any funny looks. A remnant of her past self had pulled through, despite the molding and changing of what had developed during those hazy days. But that didn't matter.
The plan had worked, and now they had a key into the city. One step closer to home.
A/N: Another chapter down and we inch closer to the crux of the events in Valm! Next up: Into the heart of Rosanne and a masquerade coming up :D I'm sure our group will be up to the challenge, lest someone say anything strange or incriminating...
Been a bit delayed, but here's my review response! Sorry for the wait, but I read and appreciate all the feedback. It's a special kind of motivational fuel :)
TheBobcat18: Glad the humor and banter is working, it's always a bit torturous to workshop with trying to get in the heads of these characters lol. Especially Anje, despite how much I write her character, it's still a challenge. Thanks!
CorvidsAreNice: Oh, you will get your answer very shortly! Very shortly indeed!
NooMisteaks: Yeah, Anje has a bit of an issue with authority figures. She ran out of words, and when Anje can't use words to express herself, she defaults to what she knows. But she's improving and becoming more aware as you see. Thanks for reading!
RedxEagl3: Lol. Fair point.
Cavik: There will be lots of Cherche in the future. Valm's a chonky arc so if you like Cherche, then strap in!
Half-beastdragonsoul2013: Virion is reaping what he sowed. Someone needs to keep him in check, and I see their relationship as a bit more hectic Chrom/Frederick relationship at times. They're close friends and will call each other out, and make a stand when needed.
DestructionDragon360: Insightful comments, and managed to get a chuckle outta me :D
Anyways, that's it for this update as I draft the upcoming draft. Summer my update schedule should speed up with work smoothing itself out, so stay tuned for more AWT as I try to juggle my other projects. I seriously enjoy practicing my craft through this fic, and I can only hope you find the tale interesting as well.
For more quality fics from tons of other talented fanfiction authors, writing advice, memes, or if you want a place to chill and/or bug me, come stop by the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord at discord . gg / 9XG3U7a
Until next time, cya!