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)

22. Chapter 13) Knight

Chapter 13) Knight

---

Well, this little 'disturbance' somehow grows stranger by the day. Who would've thought the random bard found in the middle of an Agustrian duchy would be the Crown Prince and rightful ruler of Silesse? I imagine the ridiculousness of said scenario was precisely why Lewyn was able to hide for so long, since he's using his given name. He's terribly audacious.

Regardless, now everyone knows, though Lewyn is quick to correct anyone who tries to call him by title. Erinys is just as quick to send her squad back to Silesse without her, to inform Queen Lahna her son is safe. We increase our patrols for everyone's safety, and pray Chagall defies our expectations and agrees to negotiations.

We had a lot of hope, those days.

---

No matter how strained our nerves were while waiting for Chagall's 'official' response, the mornings remained as lively as ever. Then again, perhaps it was because of the stress, since during the morning lessons and spars, everyone could relax and focus solely on the present. It helped that more had joined, with Sigurd and Quan being among the last since it had taken a while to reassure them that yes, they would be very welcome. In fact, out of those I knew personally in our little army, only Sir Arden and Lewyn were absent. Even Edain was here, chatting happily with Sir Midir and King Jamke as they practiced their shooting.

"Did Sir Midir hurt himself?" I murmured, watching them carefully. I didn't see Sir Midir often; he usually went to Edain if he was injured. "Edain keeps staring at his back..." Well, even if he did, I was certain she had it handled. However, she and I might need to help Ethlyn and Lachesis with the injuries today. Azelle, in particular, was picking up a bruise every second while sparring Sir Alec. Maybe he should join Chulainn's lessons until he knew more about wielding a sword. "How is Silvia holding up?" Silvia had officially joined the lessons just the day before, and Chulainn was still deciding what sort of training would suit her best. "It seems like he's teaching her as he does Dew." It made sense; I imagined Silvia would also prefer escaping a fight to standing her ground. "I wonder if I should..."

"Lady Alicia!" The happy call startled me, and I looked around curiously for the source before a shadow fell over me. Only then did I look up, just in time for Erinys and her pegasus to finish their descent and land next to me. "Good morning," she greeted cheerfully, tapping her pegasus's neck. It carefully laid down for her so she could slide off and jog over to me. "Um... here?" With a shy smile, she handed me a beautiful fire lily. I didn't know they grew near here. "Sorry, it's a tradition in Silesse."

"It is a tradition to give random people flowers?"

"Not random. Healers." Her smile remained shy, but gained a sweetness to it. "Flowers aren't common in Silesse due to the cold, so we always pick one to thank a healer."

"Ah, I see." I admired the fire lily for a moment, and then tucked it behind my ear. "While I do appreciate it, I could have sworn I told you should not be riding quite yet."

"Er..." She blushed and looked away, fiddling with her hands. "I had her lie down so I could climb on? And you saw how I got off?"

"You utilize the muscles in your abdomen much more than you realize. There is a reason why the muscles are sometimes called your 'core'." I frowned at her and she ducked her head. "Let's go ahead and examine you."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You don't have to call me 'ma'am'. I doubt I'm much older than you."

"Hmm? Aren't you six years older than me? Like Annand? I'm nineteen, and..."

"I'm twenty."

"...How are you the same age as Prince Lewyn?!"

"You know; he had the same reaction." I stood and made sure the fire lily was secure. I did appreciate it, even if I did not like that she had risked reopening her injuries for it. "Let's head inside. The others will be a while yet."

"Um..."

"It's a very pretty flower. Where did you even find it?"

"Oh, there was this pretty meadow near the cliffs! I thought I saw it on our way in, so I went and..."

Erinys rambled about how she'd found the flowers, which expanded to include her journey from Silesse. Surprisingly, it had actually involved sailing, as there were not many places to safely land and rest in the waters between Silesse and Agustria. It didn't look like a long distance on the map, but according to Erinys, it was too far for a pegasus to fly in a 'single session'. Though, she casually mentioned 'non-emergency', so it could be they hadn't wanted to make it obvious what they were doing and where they were going. I might ask for clarification another time.

Inside my room, I gave Erinys a quick examination, mostly just ensuring she had not strained her stitches too much. Thankfully, all was well, though I could see signs of inflammation hinting she'd pushed herself. Erinys took the chiding with grace, and breathed a sigh of relief when I told her she would not need extra medicines. I'd have to talk to her later; the medicines I'd given her should be easy on the stomach, and taste well besides. I would need to see if the medicines themselves were the problem, or if she was only relieved at the implication she had not set her recovery back.

For now, though, she needed rest, so I sent her on her way and sat down at my table to write down my current observations and compare them to my previous notes on her injuries. While I did so, Chulainn snuck in, hair still a little damp from a bath. As he closed the door behind him, I twisted to smile, but then he did something I didn't expect. After returning my smile with a slight one of his own, he closed the distance and flat out kissed me.

"Hello," he murmured, pulling away slightly. I stared blankly for a long second, my brain trying to catch up after tripping to a stop. "You were missed when you left."

"I had to check on Erinys," I protested softly, still a little fuzzy-headed. Thankfully, it cleared before long. "That was bold. You're usually shyer about kissing me." Then again, I was much the same. It was fun, learning what we were both comfortable with.

"Did you dislike it?"

"I never said that. I simply wondered where the idea came from."

"Quan."

"Ah, so you'll take his advice, not Beowolf's?"

"Beowolf's advice would be for a very different setting. The kind that usually happens at night."

"Oh?" It took me a terribly long second to catch the implication. "Ah." I blushed and glanced away awkwardly, and blushed more when he chuckled and kissed my cheek. "Let's... ah... wait a while before discussing such things?" Truthfully, I'd never given sex much of a thought and knew it only from a medical perspective. I'd probably need to speak with Edain about it. I hoped she wouldn't mind.

"Ah, yes, a while." He seemed surprised, and I wondered if I- "Didn't expect to speak of it at all, actually. You don't seem interested in people like that."

"I was never romantically interested in someone either, but then you came along." I frowned at him, despite my embarrassment, and he stared back, still surprised. "Therefore, I imagine you'll also be how I find an answer to the 'why do people like sex anyway?' question I had growing up."

"Oh." He blushed finally, and broke eye contact. "That's... ah..."

"So, I do hope you feel sufficiently special." I smiled smugly and leaned against him so I could kiss his reddened cheek. "You are the only one who has ever caught my eye."

"Menace."

"You started this."

"You're still a menace."

"But you love me?"

"Yes, incredibly." He looked away more, and I first thought he was hiding his embarrassment. But then I noticed he had focused on the door. "Just come on in." Ah, we had a visitor. Drat, I wanted to try and tease him further.

But, alas, I had to relent, since the visitor was a cheeky Dew bearing letters. Specifically, they were the letters I'd been both anticipating and dreading. These were Prince Kurth and Arvis's replies to my letter about Chulainn. But strangely, there were actually three letters this time. Two were for me, with my name on the envelopes as proof, and the third... the third had Chulainn's name written in Prince Kurth's neat hand.

"Chulainn, this one is for you," I murmured, handing it to him after Dew had left. He took it with a frown, clearly confused. "It's from Prince Kurth?" He closed his eyes and sighed, like that was answer enough. "Should I...?" I didn't even know what to offer.

"No, it's fine," he replied, already opening it. The words would be more reassuring if his tone didn't sound like he was marching to his death. "I've a feeling I know why."

"If you are certain..." There was nothing more I could say, especially since he stepped away to read the letter privately. All I could do was sit back down at my table and open my own letters to read.

I opened Prince Kurth's letter first. I… I was most nervous about this one, for some reason. I couldn't even read the first part of it, his usual greetings and small talk. I simply hunted for Chulainn's name, and then backtracked to the beginning of the sentence. I just… I had to know as soon as possible. My stomach refused to settle for anything less.

'I had wondered if you would write to confirm or deny your feelings for Chulainn. Some whispers of rumors have already reached us on the Isaachian front.' Of course they did. Gossip traveled faster than anything, clearly. 'It is a strange feeling, reading those words. I wouldn't have thought you'd find a lover before Arvis, at least. Then again, he's probably given up on such things since he's been pursued since he was a child, despite my efforts. There were always the crafty ones who worded things so carefully, my intervention would've caused more problems.' Yes, Arvis had dealt with matchmakers as soon as our father was announced dead. I was glad to hear Prince Kurth had at least tried to mitigate it. 'Ah, but that is decidedly off topic. Given what you've written, it sounds as if Chulainn is a fine man and certainly worthy of your affections. I hope this conflict will die down enough so I can meet him. Will you allow me to do so?'

"Why is he asking it like that?" I whispered, smiling despite myself. I wouldn't have told him if I didn't want them to meet, but at the same time, I knew it was because he did not wish to overstep. As always, he let me set the boundaries and pace. "He's so silly." It was no wonder Cigyun had fallen in love with him.

Content in knowing what he felt, I set down his letter to properly read later and picked up Arvis's. His letter was… well, I wouldn't say it was 'nonsense'. It had details about Gabriel and Ellen, the court's antics, how Velthomer was faring, and other details he usually shared in his letters. However, I could tell he was writing around something, purposely avoiding the subject, so I skimmed until I finally found the only mention of Chulainn in the entire three-paged letter, right before his signature. 'You will be bringing Chulainn along when you next visit, yes?'

"Arvis, just say you want to meet him," I sighed, shaking my head. My older brother was ridiculous, plain and simple. "It's not hard." But I supposed this meant I was definitely visiting once things calmed. The question was 'when would work best?'. Would it be before Deirdre gave birth or after? For all I knew, Deirdre would give birth and we would still be fighting Chagall. "Ah, I should reply to both later." So, instead, I looked at Chulainn worriedly, wondering what Prince Kurth had written him. He didn't look too upset or anything. Certainly, he no longer looked like he dreaded the contents. "Um… Chulainn?" Of course, my curiosity eventually got the better of me and I called out. He made a noise to show he was listening. "Is… it bad?" Why did I care if it was? …That was an easy answer, and it was also the reason why I was most nervous about Prince Kurth's reaction. I wanted Prince Kurth to like him. And I could think of why I wanted that later.

"Quite the opposite, actually," Chulainn reassured, a faint smile on his face. I barely kept myself from breathing a sigh of relief. "And he even shared a tale about when you were a baby for me to enjoy."

"He did not." My eyes widened and his smile grew, just a little. "Show me?"

"It's nothing bad. Just adorable."

"That's all well and good, but I don't know my own baby stories, so..."

"Fine, fine, hang on." He carefully folded the letter to only show the portion with the story and he handed it over so I could read. It was a simple tale and, truthfully, called it a 'tale' was an overstatement. He merely wrote how I loved flowers even as a baby. This led me to think...

"This isn't the only story."

"Should've known you'd see through." He took the letter back, shaking his head. "No, it is not, but this is the only one I can share. The other isn't my right."

"Very well." I couldn't say I was happy about it, but I understood. "This does mean you can't use it to tease me, though."

"It's not that sort of story." Knowing Prince Kurth, he would've held back such stories anyway until he knew if I was comfortable with him sharing them. "Dare I ask what your brother wrote?"

"He asked if you would accompany me when I next visited."

"That's it?" He sighed. "I'm in trouble, clearly."

"Why would you be?"

"I'm the nefarious thief who stole his precious sister's heart. He's obligated to dislike me."

"Azelle likes you, though?" He… he did, right? The worst I'd seen was Azelle sulking at me.

"Azelle actually knows me. Somewhat."

"Well, you needn't worry. Arvis will like you too." He'd like Chulainn if only because he made me happy. We should definitely visit soon. Words must not be enough to ease his worries.

"You sound certain."

"And you sound doubtful."

"Winning over an older brother is much different than a younger."

"My first question is 'how?' and my second is 'why would you know?'."

"It's…" He smiled faintly, a trace of bitterness. "Think of it as an extension of the protectiveness older siblings have, Alicia." …And he knew because he was once an older brother.

"That makes me all the more certain it will be fine." I spoke gently, yet firmly. I hoped it would reassure him. "Believe in me, if nothing else. If he is horrid, then I have a plethora of ways to retaliate."

"You'd retaliate?"

"Of course. I love you."

"You hate fighting."

"Why would I need to fight when I can blackmail?"

"You…" His smile grew a little more, filled with mischief now. "Gods, I love you." He returned to my side and brushed a kiss over my forehead. "But blackmail is only effective for things the person wants to keep hidden."

"He likes pretending he's dignified around Azelle. All I'd have to do is threaten to tell a few stories."

"Haven't you already told him many?"

"Arvis is silly. I could tell ten a day for a year and still not run out of stories." I might have continued, even listing some examples, but a sudden knock startled us both. Chulainn barely had time to pull away before a grim-faced Sigurd opened the door without waiting for an answer. "Sigurd?" I pushed myself up, dread filling me. Had something happened to Deirdre? …No, I didn't think so. While grim, he was still calm. "What happened?"

"Chagall finally sent a reply," Sigurd answered softly, holding up the paper in his hand. His hand was shaking. "So nice of him to send this before we prepped for the new year." Yes, we would have to discuss it soon. It was less than a month away. "But I wish I had happier tidings. He's refused talks, and in fact, demands our surrender."

"We have neutralized most of his army, though," I pointed out, the dread returning for a completely different reason. This was ludicrous. The only forces he had were... "He's going to attack us directly, isn't he?"

"He already has. Our messenger was attacked by the Lions' Guard, Agustria's equivalent of the Weiss Ritter." That... that wasn't good. The Weiss Ritter were Belhalla's elite knight order, and they answered only to the reigning king. Not even Prince Kurth was allowed to give them orders; that honor went to King Azmur alone. "I'm calling a council. Can you spare the time?"

"I..." I glanced at my workshop, thinking of all the medicines I would need to make. But I also knew he would not ask unless he felt he needed me, precisely because he knew how much work I had. So... "Give me a moment to see which of my students are available to make medicines." So, I needed to delegate, at least for now. "We'll need to bolster our inventory now that it's confirmed there will be more fighting."

"I still need to find the rest anyway. You're the first I told." And he already had one foot out the door, ready to gather them. "I fear Oifey will be in the council, to make notes."

"That's fine." I sat down and found some spare paper to jot down what I needed, and the recipes. "Chulainn, can you go hunting? I need to get everything situated for them."

Chulainn did not mind, and in fact found Shannan and Dew within minutes of leaving. The rest followed quickly, and I rapidly explained what would be needed and where to find additional ingredients if they ran out. They listened without a word, serious faces showing they knew why I was asking, and when Chulainn returned with the last one (Lachesis), they set about their work. I made sure they were all right, a final check to ease my nerves, and then Chulainn and I left for Sigurd's office to join Sigud, Oifey, Quan, King Jamke, Edain, and Deirdre for discussions.

Was Chagall mad, arrogant, or both? How did he expect Agustria to survive this?

---

Now that we knew there would be further battles, several things had to happen. My first priority was a full health check for every soldier to ensure they were healthy enough to fight and were not hiding illnesses or physical ailments. Thankfully, the few soldiers we had took care of themselves well, but those low numbers caused... other problems.

"So, everyone is officially cleared, save for Deirdre, of course," Sigurd murmured, looking over the papers I'd given him. It was our usual daily meeting, held in the morning for the first time since we came to Mackily. There was too much to do for him to indulge in fussing over Deirdre. "Good, I don't have to make adjustments to this..." He gestured vaguely to the map pinned open on his desk, various tokens scattered about. I was reminded of when we first learned about Lord Eldigan's imprisonment, way back in Evans. It felt so long ago, now.

"How will the defenses here be handled?" I asked, clasping my hands in front of me. It wasn't something I'd usually ask, but due to our triage system, I had to. Ethlyn and Lachesis would serve as 'on the field' healers, Ethlyn focusing on cavalry and Lachesis, infantry. Edain would handle the field infirmary, with Sir Arden as her guard, and would Warp or Return the critically injured to me here in Mackily. I would remain here, to tend to the most grievously injured and to care for Deirdre. Shannan and Silvia would stay with us, since Shannan was too young and Silvia preferred staying away from the battlefield. "You mentioned Lykos?"

"Yes, Lykos and his knights will take care of it, since this is their home and duty." Sigurd quickly scribbled something on my notes and placed a few more tokens on his map to arrange. "They did offer to bolster our forces, but I declined. I fear what consequences they'd face if they fought their own king."

"That they even suggested it says a lot." While I had a feeling Lykos offered because he thought it was the right thing to do, he had to know how it would come across. It would make Mackily look as if it feared Grannvale more than Chagall. "I am guessing we will not receive reinforcements from the Cross Knights for similar reasons?"

"Yes, and Grahnye wrote as much when I told her what was going on here. With that said, if we need them, she'll give them their marching orders. She can come up with a story later."

"Will you?" Our numbers were the smallest they had ever been. While King Jamke had summoned his Verdanite soldiers from Nordion, we could not do the same for the Beige Ritter scattered about. They were too busy maintaining peace in Heirhein and Anphony.

"I hope not. This is enough of a mess." He was silent for a very long moment, scrutinizing the map closely. "Chulainn?"

"...Yes?" Chulainn replied after a moment, surprised. He'd been stationed at the door, as per usual, and stayed firmly out of the conversation. "What is it?"

"I have a request," Sigurd began, sounding more serious than I'd ever heard. His attention remained firmly on the map.

"You're my employer?" Chulainn, meanwhile, sounded more than a little confused. "Why bother requesting when you can order it?"

"Because you're not a blade to be used and I know you're not going to like it." Well, that was suspicious. "I want you to march out with the rest of us." That... that was a surprise and a half.

It was so much of one that it took Chulainn a couple of seconds to process. "I thought Alicia was staying here."

"She is."

"Ah." Silence fell, with Chulainn frowning as he thought. I tried to think of why. In the entire time Chulainn had been my guard, Sigurd had never once wanted Chulainn to fight along his forces. The only time he had... had been during the Siege of Nordion, because I had rushed onto the battlefield myself. "Since it's a request, you're going to have to give me the reason before I make a decision."

"You'll have to leave your precious door for it." Sigurd forced himself to smile, to make the words a joke, and Chulainn rolled his eyes before coming over. "We're arranging for a main force, a strike force, and over here..."

"Hiding in the woods to slip behind the lines?" Chulainn leaned against the desk, tapping each of the tokens. There were a dozen or so, but only one was situated in the 'forest' part of the map. "Ah, a two-pronged decoy to hide assassins."

"Not quite, since I'd prefer it if you didn't kill anyone. Just need noise to make it seem like we slipped around." Sigurd rested a hand near the lone token, a disgruntled look on his face. "It has to be infantry, someone fast and skilled and can hide easily. Out of my regulars, only Ayra has those qualifications. But I am not in the habit of letting someone perform a dangerous task alone. I need someone who can keep up with her."

"...Can't use Azelle, because of the woods and they'd have to know we have a mage, so his absence would be noted. For that same reason, Jamke has to remain and lead that second decoy. Lewyn might be able, but you'll want him near so he can inform you of hidden troops. Dew doesn't have the skill or strength yet, and he's serving as both messenger and Oifey's assistant. He can't be spared." He frowned more as he thought. "And you want to startle them because startled troops are easier to surround and capture, rather than kill."

"Yes."

"..." Chulainn's expression locked up then, firmly keeping all his thoughts to himself. But I knew what he was thinking anyway.

Part of his hesitation came from his past. Sigurd... it was completely unintentional, but he actually gave Chulainn a cruel choice. He was asking Chulainn if he wanted to guard his friend or his lover, and no matter how much Chulainn insisted on hiding, I knew he still treasured that old friendship. Why else would he claim he owed Sigurd for taking her and Shannan in?

There was also his pragmatic nature and tendency towards efficiency. Sigurd asked him to take part in an operation designed to minimize casualties on both sides. Logically, following it was the best option and on the emotional side, it was a way to help the people he was slowly considering his 'home'. Who would not want to do all they could to protect their 'home'?

But he liked guarding me. He liked protecting me. And, like Ayra, he was utterly convinced I'd find trouble the second something strange happened. He wanted to be near, to keep me safe. Worse, he knew I felt safest around him, and this would be a terribly uneasy situation. I could admit, if only to myself, I'd prefer to have him close for that very reason.

However, I would not be a chain. I would not be a burden. I refused.

"Chulainn, I'll be fine," I murmured, shifting close enough that I could nudge his shoulder with mine. He twisted slightly to frown at me, but I shook my head. "Even if I somehow fall in trouble despite you all taking the fight-"

"Let's not finish the sentence and tempt fate," Chulainn interrupted, covering my mouth. I reached up and took his hand, brushing a kiss over his knuckles. "Because you're tempting enough."

"I suppose that is begging for a curse. But still, it will be fine. Even if something happens, we'll make it fine." So, we had to make the best decisions we could, and bear the consequences whatever they may be. And, for the army, the best decision was… "Please do not factor my safety into your decision."

"Your safety is very important to me." He sighed, though, and twisted his hand so he could hold mine. "But I get your meaning. You'd rather we go with the plan which adds less to the count you hold in your heart." This was true. "And I'd rather you not add more either."

"Count?" Sigurd repeated, sounding a little curious. He relented when both Chulainn and I shook our heads. "Ah, lovers' secret. I got it."

"More of a habit of hers I noticed," Chulainn dismissed, waving the thought away with his free hand. He still held mine, after all. "And, unfortunately, she knows mentioning it will tip the scales in my head." I frowned at him, but he shook his head. "You would not have mentioned it at all if you didn't think it necessary for the army's sake. Which you hold in higher regard than your own."

"She's terrible about taking care of herself."

"Extremely." I did not appreciate these two bonding over my supposed poor health choices. I was very healthy. "But, I'll march out, Sigurd."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes." He paused. "As much as I can be."

"Thank you, truly." Sigurd breathed a sigh of relief, and set another token in the forest. "Ah, Alicia, is Erinys able to fight? She wasn't on the list."

"I wasn't certain if she counted among our soldiers or not," I replied, thinking carefully. After a moment, I shook my head. "She's not well enough to fight, but I believe she'll be well enough to fly. I want someone to assist her when she mounts and dismounts, however."

"Perfect, she can help Lewyn with scouting, then," Sigurd decided, with a suspiciously bright smile on his face. "We'll see how long he can run then."

"Ah, has he been avoiding Erinys since their reunion?" This would explain why I hadn't seen much of him these past few days. "Before you plot, please discuss it with Erinys. We do not know if she asked him to keep his distance."

"Fair point." The smile dimmed a little, enough to no longer be suspicious. "I need to ask if she's willing to do so anyway. You're right in that she has not 'officially' joined us yet." He looked at the map and then up to Chulainn. "This reminds me. Ayra said you had... ah..."

"She probably mentioned I have 'death's eyes'," Chulainn said, unbothered by it. Sigurd winced anyway. "However, I know of your tendency towards mercy, and you mentioned you didn't want anyone dead."

"Right, she said to make sure, but..." Sigurd mumbled, looking away awkwardly. Chulainn actually chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not sure what to feel about the first laugh I've heard out of you being at my expense."

"You are, without a doubt, the strangest employer I've ever had." He shrugged. "It's nothing to be ashamed about, Sigurd. I kill without a thought, so it's better to be certain." Given what Ayra said, I imagine he gained them while in the arena. He had to kill without a thought, to not completely shatter. "You just haven't had to see that side of me much, since I stay far from battles."

"And you never spar."

"...It brings up bad memories." It was a quiet admission, and I leaned against him without thinking to try and support him. "That's all."

"Oh?" Sigurd looked surprised, no doubt by learning another tidbit of Chulainn's past. But he soon softened to smile. "Well, I suppose we must be content with a demonstration during the upcoming battle."

"We'll see how much fighting Ayra and I actually do. Noise can be achieved without battle."

"Why do I get the feeling Quan is going to be giddy again?"

"Pranks are a time-honored combat strategy."

"Neit, grant me patience."

"I meant to say this before, but since he's Tiamat's husband, I'd think he likes a little chaos."

"Then may Salamander of Flames have some mercy on me since I have two of his blood in my ranks. As Naga's right hand, he had to have some patience, right?"

There was a bit more lighthearted banter, mostly to try and clear the air, and then Sigurd dismissed us so he could update Quan. As we left, Chulainn and I quietly decided we should inform Ayra ourselves. So, we meandered our way towards her room and, when we knocked on the door, I realized something. This was the first time I'd been in one of Ayra's rooms, unless we counted the room we shared in Clement's castle. Due to my own reclusiveness, she always sought me out and the few times I looked for her, she'd been out and about.

So, standing in front of the door, I felt a little shy, like I was intruding even as I heard the 'come in'. The feeling of 'intruder' only grew when we opened the door and saw Shannan was with her. She was lounging on a pile of pillows, her dark hair splayed out so Shannan could easily reach it, while he was leaning against one of the pillows, frowning in concentration as he braided her hair with surprising intricacy. I didn't know you could braid with five strands, much less braid them so small. She already had at least seven in her hair.

"Well, there's a pair I didn't expect," Ayra commented, waving us in. She was careful to not move her head and disrupt Shannan. "Shannan, two of your favorites are here."

"What are you talking about?" Shannan asked curiously, looking up even as he braided. His eyes instantly lit up when he saw who she meant. "Oh!" Quickly, he reached for something I could not see thanks to the pillows and produced a small silver clasp. He threaded Ayra's hair through it with ease, and twisted something so it capped off the braid. "Hello!" Only then did he jump up and rush over. Since Chulainn was closest, he got the 'traditional' tackle-hug-about-the-legs. Chulainn easily kept them upright, and Ayra smiled indulgently at the sight. "What are you two doing here?"

"Maybe they want some expert braids themselves."

"Aunt Ayra, I'm still practicing!" By my eye, he was already far more skilled than me. "I'm nowhere near as good as you or Father."

"Few could be as good as Mariccle, but I'm sure you'll reach it in time." The reason was unspoken. 'You are the Od Major, after all'. "But, then again, Chulainn's hair is too short for braids and Alicia never does anything with her hair if it's not practical or done for her. So, what does bring you two here? If you have free time, I'd think you two would find a place to hide and enjoy the quiet. Assuming Alicia knows about 'free time'."

"Thanks to my clever students, I don't have to pull all-nighters to replenish our stock, as I did when we were still in Evans," I somewhat countered. After all, my half-plan for the night was to stay up to boost our stock further, but I knew better than to admit that to her. "No, we're here because... are you aware of Sigurd's current plan?"

"Yes, he asked if I was comfortable," Ayra confirmed. Her eyes flicked over to Shannan, a quiet request. 'Do not elaborate.' She didn't want him to know how dangerous her job could be. "He said he'd partner me with someone for it."

"It'll be Chulainn. We thought we should let you know."

"Oh, that'll be interesting. I haven't seen you fight since..." Ayra trailed off, frowning heavily. "Wait, then who is guarding you, Alicia?"

"Of course you ask."

"Hell yes, I do. Your safety is very important to me." She scowled then. "So? If Chulainn is helping me, who is guarding you?"

"Lykos and his knights will handle the city's defenses."

"Given your history, you need a dedicated guard."

"There are not enough forces." I made sure my tone was firm and no-nonsense, because there was no changing this truth. None could be spared to play babysitter. "That's why Sigurd even asked." However, I could see Shannan's mood dropping, so I crouched down to smile at him. "I'm counting on you to help me with making medicines, Shannan. I'm sure these two are going to get themselves bitten, petting the animals as they do."

"Hey now, I haven't been bitten by an animal since I was five. And it was an accident, a kitten being overly playful." She pushed herself up and gestured for us to join her on her pile. "Anyway, Shannan, how about you practice on Alicia's hair for a while?" Since she played along, she must have seen Shannan's drooping mood too.

"Huh? Can I?" Shannan asked, sounding surprised. He glanced up at me shyly, half-hiding behind Chulainn's leg. "Is it all right? I mean; I know I braided it before, but…"

"Of course it is," I reassured without thinking. The bright, even elated, smile on his face further hinted at the suspicion I'd had when I'd braided Ayra's hair before Clement's ball; there was more to this request than I thought. I'd ask Chulainn another time. He, at least, didn't think there was anything strange about it. "Do I need to lay down like Ayra was?"

"Please?"

"Very well, then. Ayra, how do you sit like that without developing a crick in your neck?"

Ayra laughed and happily showed me the 'proper way to lounge', twisting so she could help Shannan reach my hair. Chulainn sat down nearby, and before long, we were chatting about absolutely nothing, light topics Shannan could easily join in on, if he was not busy concentrating on the braid. It was a conversation meant to keep the seriousness of our situation away, and let Shannan simply be a child.

As we talked, though, I caught Ayra giving Chulainn a curious look occasionally, something between 'knowing' and 'fearful'. I think she knew. I think she knew Chulainn and Setanta were the same. But each time, she'd close her eyes and shake her head, because she did not have the mental strength to confront that issue yet. If she was right, she would have to process all the years of mourning which were 'wasted'. If she was wrong, she would have to endure the burning of forsaken hope once more. So, she ignored her suspicions, and Chulainn continued to pretend, because his own trauma meant he could not close the distance.

I hoped I got a warning before she finally asked. No matter how much I hoped for it, I knew it would be terribly messy.

---

Within a week of Chagall's refusal, the cavalry left. The infantry began their final preparations, as they would leave the next day, and for some reason, Edain insisted having tea with me was 'essential' to her final preparations. Even worse, she somehow managed to convince me. Shannan was right; Edain truly was the best at finding justifiable excuses for her mischief.

"Now, I do hope you can forgive my fussing..." she began once we had settled. It was just the two of us for the moment, which hinted she wished to discuss something private. "But I am quite interested in how your relationship with Chulainn is going." She smiled prettily, and I could not decide if I was more exasperated or amused. I smiled slightly either way. "So?"

"I think well," I murmured, sipping my tea. I really needed to hurry up and make her mix. I almost had a basic outline of the recipe. Once that was done, I'd trial and error mixes until I got the taste I wanted. "At least, I'm happy. Others seem to think we're moving 'too slow' or they will bring up things and I wonder if I even want it yet."

"If anything, you two are quick. Think you're the fastest I'd ever seen someone go from 'realization' to 'confession'." If I was 'quick', then what did that make Sigurd and Deirdre? I would never be able to ask, but I thought it anyway. "Oh, that'll be a fun question. Ask Chulainn how he realized his own feelings sometime, will you?" She giggled and regarded me warmly. "I bet that makes him blush."

"Is it terrible that I like doing that so much?"

"Not at all! Personally, I've found it fun to watch." She laughed outright at that. "But ignore the others and move at your own pace, Alicia. It's your love and your relationship."

"I'll keep it in mind."

"Please do. And please let me know if anyone makes you uncomfortable about it. I'll inform them of their rudeness." She said the words with a terrible lightness, and I had a sneaking suspicion the 'informing' was going to be a lecture which would scare the very gods. "Ah, this does remind me…"

"Hmm?"

"Since I gained the courage from your words, I wanted to tell you I wrote my father. About what we spoke about previously." She smiled softly, running her finger around the rim of her cup. "We'll see how he replies, but it is kind of funny I needed someone else to remind me that I could just depend on him."

"He didn't seem unreliable."

"He's not. Well, I don't think he's unreliable. Andrey would disagree with me." Even I had heard of the strained relationship between father and son there. "I think it's more... you know; Andrey is actually my half-sibling. We have different mothers."

"Oh?"

"Yes, my own died giving birth to Brigid and me. She bled too much, you see, due to... oh, what did Father Eirik say?"

"It somehow does not surprise me he informed you."

"To be fair, I asked. And somehow expected tact. That was my mistake." She tapped her cheek before nodding. "Placental abruption! That was it." Ah, that was... Mistress Yesui had devoted an entire lesson to that, mostly because her own sister had nearly died from it. "Regardless, she died. Father remarried not long later, political marriage, and she gave birth to Andrey. But a few years later, she died from tuberculosis. Then Brigid disappeared." You would not expect the Duke of Yngvi to have so much tragedy in his personal life, when Laima of Fate blessed Ullr with luck. "After a while, I just... I didn't want to burden him more, so I stopped telling him my worries. I stopped seeking him out."

"But it is a child's right to be a 'burden', especially for worries, because a child does not necessarily know the best coping mechanism. That skill only develops with experience."

"Yet we don't think of such things as children. Tragedies and unfortunate circumstances force us to mature and try and think like adults." She had a point. That was why we all tried to let Shannan be a child and indulge Dew as much as he would let us. "But the habit continued even as I grew older. I was always 'fine'. There was nothing to discuss. What little I could not bottle in my heart, I would tell Sigurd. So, I continued trying to solve the 'problem' on my own, running on my own assumptions." She smiled sweetly. "But, thanks to you, I finally wrote him. And maybe I'll be able to find my own path forward."

"I do not know how much of a help I can be, but if you need it, simply ask." After all, I never would've been able to wade through that mire of feelings and thoughts if not for her.

"I'll remember." Her smile was sweet, kind, and more than a little hopeful. I hoped Duke Ring's reply would come soon. "Now then, what's a fun little…" A quick knock interrupted her. "Hmm? Strange, I wasn't expecting guests. Come in!" There was a very long pause. "...There was a knock, right?"

"There was." So, who would knock on Edain's door but then be too awkward to open it? I could think of only one. "Lachesis, it's fine. Please, come in." The door cracked open then, and Lachesis shyly poked her head around it, looking ready to bolt. Edain ducked her head to better hide how she bit back a laugh. "Hello."

"Ah, yes, hello?" Lachesis mumbled, hiding further behind the door. "Wow, it's strange not seeing Chulainn with you. Thought I had the wrong room for a moment since he wasn't…" She cleared her throat awkwardly, catching how she was thinking aloud. "A-anyway, are you two available to talk? I wanted to go over my duties, since this is the first battle where I'm participating." No, she had... oh. No, she was correct. During the Siege of Nordion, she served as everyone's eyes, and there had been no battles in Mackily. "But if you two are busy, I can wait."

"We're not busy, but we can discuss things after tea," Edain replied, her voice light and smile, polite. Yet there was still a force to the words, an implication of 'and no one will disobey'. Was this the dreaded 'Mom voice' I'd heard children in the market complain about? "How about you join us? We were chatting about how happy Alicia is with Chulainn."

"Always a fun topic!" Still, she hesitated. "If you're sure..."

"I don't mind. Alicia?" Edain glanced at me, and I smiled and nodded. I didn't mind either. The truly private part of the conversation, Edain telling me she wrote her father, was past. "Marvelous! I'll find another cup."

Assured we did not find her a bother, Lachesis pulled up a chair to sit while Edain fetched another mug from her tea set. It took a little longer than you'd expect, since Edain had already packed the 'extraneous' parts of her set. I didn't know why she was bringing it to a battlefield, where it was at risk of breaking, but that was not my business. For all I knew, she had multiples of this very tea set in case something shattered. She also could have been assuming her Ullr luck would take care of her things.

"Oh, this tea is so nice," Lachesis whispered once Edain had finally found the cup and poured her some. Edain beamed at the compliment. "Ah, if I may, where is Chulainn? I honestly expected he'd be guarding the door."

"He's discussing with Ayra about what they'll need for their part of the plan," I answered, a little amused. Afterwards, I believed they intended to cheer Shannan up. I hoped they didn't bring back a wild animal to pet. Again. "We're not sewn together."

"No, but he clearly finds everyone's company lacking compared to yours."

"I think he's slowly getting better about it," Edain commented, pouring a little more tea for me and her. I was surprised she stood up for him. "Alicia also took a while to open up to us. How many times did I have to invite you to tea?"

"I accepted your second invitation," I protested, pretending to be offended. I had to drink my tea to hide my smile. "I will admit I refused the first."

"Was it only two? I must've been distracted. I'd wanted to invite you to tea many times." She tapped her cheek, thinking. "Oh, wait, it wasn't that. It simply took me a while to realize you were constantly working. I kept telling myself I'd invite you when you weren't busy, and then wondered if I was unlucky for the first time in my life since I never seemed to catch you on break."

"There were always things to do?" And, back then, I'd been desperate to prove myself useful, as no one ever let me linger if I wasn't and I'd wanted to stay. Now, I knew, I had a home, even if I also liked keeping myself busy. I enjoyed my work, after all.

"And when Chulainn was first here, he was hired for a singular job and did not deviate. Lex said they thought his face must be paralyzed with how little it twitched."

"He went riding with Sigurd and Quan recently."

"I heard! Sigurd was so happy about it." Edain giggled, also looking happy. Did… did they react similarly when they saw and heard of me spending time with others? "Midir wants to take him out drinking again, though."

"He can negotiate that, once things are a little calmer."

"Any hints?"

"Beowolf suggested he guard Silvia. Maybe Midir can build on that?"

"Silvia does need a guard. Honestly, what makes anyone think such comments are compliments?"

"Alcohol?"

"That only gives them the courage, and lack of impulse control, to say them." Edain sighed. "Midir had been so angry the next day…"

"Some people are just entitled," Lachesis muttered, a dark expression on her face. Edain and I exchanged an uncomfortable look, knowing exactly who she was remembering. "Um, if I can nudge the conversation to something adjacent?"

"Of course," Edain reassured, smiling apologetically. I didn't know why she thought she should apologize. I had been the one to bring up the incident. "What is it?"

"It's just… I have a serious question and it occurred to me that you two might be the only ones to give me a serious answer." She gripped the handle of her teacup tightly, but quickly let go and inspected it for cracks. "Ha... caught myself in time."

"I'm pleased you didn't break it, as I happen to like this set." Edain smiled. "So, what is the question?"

"How are you not afraid?" That was an interesting question and, on the surface, it came completely out of nowhere. Yet, given her serious, even fierce mien, it was clear it had not, in fact, 'come from nowhere'.

So, what was she asking? It was something 'adjacent' to what we were talking about before. But what could be related to us talking of entitlement and guards which also suited the question? I doubted she was asking us how to deal with stalkers. Edain might know, given what rumors I'd heard in the past, but I certainly didn't. I also… given she had dealt with Elliot, I didn't think she'd seek out advice for 'not being afraid'. It had to be something the two of us were experienced with, something we may take more seriously than others she was close to.

My hint came from the timing. Both Chulainn and Midir had been mentioned. So, perhaps what she was truly asking was…

"I am," I murmured, sipping my tea. I had to think my words carefully. "But you cannot let fear stop you. It's a rather lonely existence if you do."

"Lonely? How?" Lachesis asked, leaning forward a little. She rested her arms on the table, but for some reason, was careful to keep her elbows off. "After all..."

"I grew up with minimal contact with people, Lachesis. Despite spending my entire childhood in Yngvi, I can only tell you the names of two people." Edain winced at that, but did not interrupt. The knowing look in her eye told me she figured out the true question too. "Now, I always have the fear, hiding away in my heart, that one of you will come to be on death's edge, and despite me doing all I can and more, I will fail to save you. Yet I would not give up these bonds for anything, no matter how much 'easier' it may be, because they give my life color and happiness which I would not have known otherwise."

"I... really meant more 'romantic'..."

"But is it truly different?" Edain asked then, her voice gentle and kind. Her smile perfectly matched. "Do you not feel like your heart is going to shatter when, say, Sigurd does something reckless? I remember screaming when Byron sent word that Sigurd had been swept away in that flood. Screaming and desperately praying that my luck might somehow extend to him, or that the luck Baldr was blessed with would be enough to bring him home."

"That..." Lachesis began, an instinctive protest. But she swallowed the rest of her words and clasped her hands to hide their shaking. "No, I was scared. Beyond scared. It felt like all the light went out in the world. I swore I couldn't see for a good hour afterwards."

"That's because you love him. It's not romantic, of course, but it's still a love. It's still a bond."

"I... get your point." She fell silent, gathering her thoughts. I spared a moment to be relieved I had guessed correctly. As for why she thought we would be the 'only ones'... I wasn't as certain about that. But given how happily married Quan and Ethlyn were, she may not have had the courage to ask. "When I was little…"

"Hmm?"

"When I was little, I would hear the older retainers whisper how Father 'lost his roar' after Eldie's mother died. I didn't understand what they meant, until mine died." Why would you say something like that where a child could hear? "He slowly faded away. Every day until he died, he got a little weaker, like Mother had taken a piece of him away with her into death and he bled from the wound." She tightened her grip on her hands, until her knuckles whitened. That she did not break her bones hinted there was something to Azelle's theory that Hodr's blood granted a quiet 'blessing' to resilience. "It was terrifying, watching him slowly crumble. I... I don't want that to happen to me."

"That... hmm..." Edain fell silent, trying to think of a response. But I... I already had one.

"Lachesis, I have a question for you," I whispered, sipping my tea to hide how dry my mouth was. I felt like I didn't have a right to say more in this conversation, separated as I was from people. Yet... "Was he ever unhappy?"

"Pardon?" Lachesis replied, startled. She blinked a few times, trying to process what I said. "What do you...?"

"Was he ever unhappy? Did he ever show frustration for his weakening state? Did he ever express regrets?" Grief could do terrible things to the body. One of the books Prince Kurth bought me talked of 'broken heart syndrome', where the heart suddenly weakened after a stressful event, and there were many who simply could not recover after a terrible loss. However... "Because I think you're focusing far more on what others thought about him."

"Uh..." She stared, clearly startled. Then again, I wasn't sure if I was making sense anyway. But I had to try.

"Given how you seem to think fondly of your father, I would wager he didn't. Yes, it hurt and yes, he never quite recovered, but he still lived his life to the fullest he could. To me, that requires great skill, great strength, and great courage. That those around you claimed your father 'lost his roar' means they never bothered looking past the surface. Besides..." How to word this next bit... "There's always an end."

"An end?"

"No matter how strong, how healthy, a person is... time will eventually wear them down. The body will eventually fall apart and die. That is simply a fact of life." I drank a little more of my tea, trying to figure out why I even felt strongly about this. I should have been leaving it to Edain, since she actually understood social things. "For all we know, he had a chronic condition which simply worsened after the stress of losing your mother, Lachesis. That meant your mother did not 'steal' anything from him. It was just his body succumbing to something a little sooner."

"But he was always healthy!"

"Grahnye is healthy too." I said the words quietly, and Edain made a curious noise, hinting she was unaware of Grahnye's heart problems. But Lachesis blanched as she realized what I was saying. "Of course, it could also be grief. It's hard to say." So, why was I speaking up? It made sense once I thought about it for a moment. It was because of Prince Kurth.

Prince Kurth... he'd lost my mother and Cigyun both. Cigyun's disappearance weighed on him even now, would haunt him until death took him. Yet still, despite the pain, despite the mourning, he kept walking. He'd endured twenty years worth of pain. And I knew, if I asked if he regretted meeting Cigyun, falling in love with her... I knew he'd laugh, smile, and say, 'of course not'. He might regret the ending, but not the story. He'd fall in love with her again, if he could.

"Loving someone can be a fearful thing, but ultimately, the joy you experience outweighs that fear," I whispered, feeling a little more grounded now that I knew. I just had to tell her what I had observed in him. "And when you inevitably lose them, because at some point one of you will die, you keep going for as long as you can for whatever reason you choose."

"Like watching his adorable children grow," Edain added, her smile soft. I wondered if she was thinking of her father. "Or tending to your people." Lachesis was frowning in thought, processing what we were saying. "Fear isn't a reason to stop, Lachesis. It's only a reason to pause and assess."

"So, you grow close to those who you decide, even if just on a subconscious level, to love more than you fear loving. That's all." I sipped my tea, having reached the end of my tether. "Of course, I can't say I'm exactly qualified to be speaking of such matters, given my upbringing."

"I think you're perfect, because you know how lonely it is to be apart."

"It is lonely, and while not unhappy, it's also not 'happy'." It was a strange pit between the two, where you had no way to escape. You lived because you breathed, not because you wanted to do so. "My only joys were seeing people recover, and receiving letters from my brothers."

"And life is much more wonderful when you let others in, no?"

"I feel like I'm being scolded."

"Now, why would you think that?" She giggled and I shook my head. "But anyway, Lachesis, does that answer your question? Should we try to elaborate?" If we did, I was leaving it completely to her. I didn't know how I fumbled my way through that.

"No, I think… I think I understand what you two are saying," Lachesis murmured, nodding a few times. "Or, at least, I think I understand enough to think through the rest on my own." She smiled shyly and ducked her head. "Thank you."

"We're pleased to be of assistance," Edain reassured, her voice bright and cheerful. She then chuckled, her eyes dancing with quiet mischief. "But if I may tease?"

"Go ahead?"

"I am ever-so-curious as to why you suddenly asked this." She smiled brilliantly. "Has a certain squire charmed his way into the lioness den?"

"That...!" Lachesis blushed bright red, shaking her head almost violently. "No! Not at all! I mean... Finn is cute and kind and funny and..."

"And he certainly has a good chance meeting your lofty standards, given he's Quan's squire."

"I... well, yes, maybe, but I swear it's not like that!"

"I fear I must ask when Finn's name came up," I interrupted, careful to keep as serene as always. Lachesis instantly froze at the words, while Edain tossed her head back with a cackle. "She only said 'squire' originally." Lachesis's blush darkened considerably, but I also noticed a trace of tears in her eyes, telling me two things. One, Finn had been the one to prompt the question, no matter how much she denied it. Two, she was not up for discussing it further. "Ah, but I am reminded of another question I had. Are lions important to Agustria? Lord Eldigan is the 'Lionheart', you have been compared to a 'lioness', and Sigurd told me the king's personal guard is dubbed the 'Lion's Guard'."

"Oh, it's Hodr's line, actually," Lachesis explained, eagerly seizing the offered change in subject. Edain studied her a moment before nodding, going along with the new flow of conversation. "While Hodr is known as the Black Knight primarily across Jugdral, the chieftains of Agustria dubbed him the 'Black Lion', and his wife, the 'Silver Lioness'."

"Ah, so it is both the Royal family and Nordion, then."

Talk slowly shifted to Agustria's history and tales Lachesis know of Hodr the Black Knight and his family. While Lachesis rattled off random facts, Edain and I exchanged a look and nodded in silent agreement. We'd revisit this conversation again. Neither of us doubted it. But, for now, we'd let it rest.

There was no need to rush. She had plenty of time to think things through.

---

When the second wave left, the estate fell… not quite silent, but the lack of noise was as heavy as a boulder. There was a distinct lack of chatter drifting down the corridors, the silence ringing loud. I never noticed just how large this estate truly was. Without everyone to fill the halls, the emptiness was borderline maddening.

"It feels strange being all tucked under a blanket while others are fighting," Deirdre murmured, leaning back in her chair. We were in her room, since it was one of the few which did not feel 'empty'. It may have just been the two of us, but Sigurd had left his things here, taking only what he needed for the battle, and it gave a sense of life to the place. "Very strange." At the moment, I was brushing her hair as she sat by the window. My medicines were at an acceptable level even by my standards, but I desperately needed something to do. Deirdre didn't mind. "I didn't feel this way in Nordion."

"In Nordion, there were still things to do even when the others marched out," I reminded her, brushing her hair carefully. It tangled much more easily than mine; I felt like it tangled as I brushed it! "We also had more people remaining behind."

"Right, the absence is more noticeable." Yes, that was why we were hiding here. But I chose against reminding her and, instead, moved to a different section of her hair. "Alicia?"

"Yes?"

"Can I... oh, I'm being silly."

"You're allowed to be silly."

"Yes, I can around you. I'm feeling silly because I was going to ask something that I already knew the answer to."

"Sometimes, people ask for the reassurance they are correct." They also would ask with the desperate hope they were wrong.

"Fair." There was another beat of silence. "So, can I confess a secret to you?"

"Always."

"See? I knew you'd say that." Despite the words, her expression became grim as she rested a hand on her abdomen. "...I'm afraid, Alicia."

"What are you afraid of?" Given where she had her hand, I could only assume... "Is it that something will go wrong during the birthing?"

"A little, but you've already promised to be here for it, and both Edain and Ethlyn have promised the same." We'd also find the best midwife we could, wherever we ended up. I wondered if we could get Mistress Yesui to travel to us. "So, whenever that anxiety rears its head, I beat it back knowing I and my baby are in the best of hands. Especially since a certain healer is as idealistically stubborn as my husband."

"Are you chiding me?"

"Never. I love you both for it. Well, I'll scold you if you do something reckless, like run onto a battlefield. Again." This was fair. "Or if you do something silly like Chulainn did where he continued to fight while being run through. I still can't believe he did that." I, unfortunately, could. "No, I'm scared people will find out about..." She looked around, reassuring herself it was only the two of us in her room. "...My blood..."

"Your..." It took me a long second to realize what she meant. In my defense, it had been a while since I thought about it. "Ah."

"I'm scared people will somehow find out, but what I'm more afraid of is..." She wrapped her arms around her abdomen now, shielding her unborn baby. "What if I taint my baby because of it? What if they bear the same curse? I inherited mine from my mother, after all, and…"

"Actually, that's a rather interesting discussion right there." I needed to distract her, lest she drown in her fears. "While not outlawed, it's always been 'highly discouraged' for those of Holy Blood to intermarry."

"Is it?" She frowned at me skeptically, and I did not blame her, considering she was close to Ethlyn and Quan.

"Yes, bonds of friendships are encouraged, of course, but often, romances between those with Holy Blood are treated as fleeting things." It wasn't illegal. It was just… not done. "Arvis said it was to minimize potential inheritance disputes, and to reduce the chances of…" Now, what had he said? "Take this with a grain of salt, since so many stories of the old Empire are clearly intent on painting them in a terrible light."

"For good reasons." Her eyes darkened. "My home has a list of victims Saint Maera brought with him, the names of those he could not save just in his lifetime. The thing is thicker than most books I've seen."

"That is…" I had no idea what to say to that. But, then again, he had led a failed rebellion. Wars killed many. "Regardless, the Loptrian Empire apparently practiced 'selective breeding', much as you'd do for dogs or horses."

"Oh, yes, I remember hearing something similar in the Forest." Deirdre nodded a few times. "While they did it for all nobility, for those with my blood, it even included incest. To keep the blood 'pure'."

"I'm sure they enjoyed the health complications."

"Yes, my understanding is that's why they didn't have any lines besides the 'main branch'. Saint Maera's descendents form the only other line, and he left."

"So, they didn't do so for the 'main'?"

"No, that line had their precious Emperor Gairs. They only experimented with the 'lesser' lines, since all experiments bear risks. Instead, the main one was subjected to even more rigorous selection compared to the other nobility. Saint Maera wrote about how he found the notes the priests had made while they carefully screened through every eligible noblewoman as children, and selected his brother's fiancé based on beauty, skill, intellect, magical prowess, lineage..." How did they determine all that when they were children? Did they continuously screen their chosen spouse throughout her entire life? "It was a disgusting practice. Eogan and I barely made it through that chapter in our history lessons."

"It was." Terrible as it was, I was fascinated that Deirdre had learned this in her lessons. I should ask later if she'd be willing to share the information with me. What if there was some medicinal knowledge tucked away that had been lost outside the Forest? "So, the Crusaders wanted to avoid any chance of something doing the same with the Holy Blood they possessed, especially once they realized it was hereditary."

"Why would your brother even discuss it with you?"

"Azelle once had a crush on Edain." It had been one of the many reasons why Arvis had tried to discourage it. "Of course, if Edain actually reciprocated, Arvis would've supported them. Azelle's happiness means far more than a century's worth of tradition."

"I suppose Duke Byron… er… Byron…" She flushed a little. "I wrote him, you know. Just to thank him for the necklace and everything. But I used 'Duke' and he replied saying I shouldn't use titles for family. But um… he…"

"Like Arvis, Duke Byron decided a century's worth of tradition was less important than his daughter's happiness." Rather than let her ramble, I decided to simply finish her sentence. "The two are not the only ones either." Based on what Tailtiu said, Duke Reptor was the same. After all, Hilda was apparently Fjalar Minor yet she would marry Bloom, the Thrud Major. "None of this, however, changes the fact that it's only in our generation said tradition has been challenged."

"I see." She paused then, and I moved to another section to brush. "Wait, how did we get into this conversation again?"

"We were discussing your baby, and the entire point was so I could answer 'I do not know'. It is only recently we learned a person could inherit two Holy Bloods and survive." I didn't know the politics behind it, and clearly whatever controversy had long since died. But I remembered the priests in the church whispering when Altena was born; it was how I found out. Not only did her Mark appear incredibly early at two weeks, but she was the first person known to have a Mark with two colors. "The inheritance behind Holy Blood isn't known. There are some who are descended from the Crusaders and yet do not bear Marks at all."

"Oh?"

"Agustria's royal family is one noticeable example." According to Lachesis, King Imuka's father had not inherited the Minor from his father. Thus, Hodr's blessing disappeared from the ruling house, and their power began to wane. "It is a 'divine blessing', and applying 'normal' rules is probably a lost cause. For all we know, your baby won't bear any Holy Blood." The chances of this were very small since there had not yet been a case where a child of a Major did not inherit at least Minor blood, but it was still a possibility.

"If only the blood had died out of my line…" She sighed heavily. "But you're essentially saying it's impossible to know. It could happen, or it could not. And, for all we know, a 'proper' Holy Blood will drown out the cursed one I bear. Any answers will have to wait until they're born."

"Even then, it can take some time. My Mark appeared when I was a year old, but Arvis's didn't appear until he was five. The average is about two or three, and the latest historically was ten years old." I hesitated before leaning down to hug her. I was sure it was awkward, but she brought her hands up to grip my arms, a silent 'thanks'. "However, even in the event your baby does inherit it, it will not matter. We will keep them safe, just as we do you."

"What if it's in a place that's not easy to hide? Like their face?"

"Thankfully, Holy Marks seem to avoid the face. Saint Heim is the only known one, and it was only his forehead and scalp. But, if it is, we can always take advantage of how no one knows anything about the customs of the Spirit Forest. We could say males get a facial tattoo to protect them from the spirits, and Sigurd was willing to indulge."

"Alicia!" She laughed, relaxing finally. "We'd have to be careful, since Sigurd can't tell a lie to save his life."

"All he would have to say was 'Deirde asked', and it won't be our fault if people assume it was about the Mark and not 'Deirdre asked we go with this story'."

"You're so silly!" But she was giggling, so I thought it was worth it. "Right, we'll protect my baby. No matter what." She leaned back into me, so I kept hugging her. "But what about… I mean; won't I be barefoot during labor?"

"Actually, Mistress Yesui highly recommends socks." I shifted a little forward so I could look at her better, just in time for her to tip her head back with a curious noise. "When she first started as a midwife, she noticed quite a few mothers complaining of cold feet, so she started including them as part of her 'labor kit'. After all, given the contractions and pain, the last thing a mother in labor needs to endure is frozen toes."

"So, no one will think anything strange if I wear some?"

"No, and if they do, I'll tell them exactly what I just told you." I'd ask Ethlyn about it as well, to see what she'd worn. "We can also pretend you injured your foot in the days before your expected delivery date. Then we can wrap bandages around it and even if something slips…" Loptuous's Mark was much smaller than any Minor Mark I'd seen, and resembled a gash or poorly healed scar. It would be easy to trick the others. "And I'll be here. I promise." If the worst occurred, then I'd pretend it was a Fjalar Minor Mark. No one would think it strange, given my father and my history, and I doubted Arvis would need much convincing to play along. He'd be thrilled to have another sister.

"I know." She briefly pressed her cheek against mine affectionately. "Right, it will be fine. If something happens, we'll work together to fix it."

"That's right."

"Ah, you'd think I'd be used to it, having people around me." Why would she? I was still growing accustomed, and I had been with everyone a little longer. "I wish..."

"Hmm?"

"This may sound silly, but I wish there was a way I could tell Eogan about how I'm having a baby."

"You may not be able to tell him directly, but stories will spread far and wide. If he ventures outside the Spirit Forest, he'll hear."

"I hope he does, then." She fell silent, smiling softly, but I had to fight to keep my calm as I remembered something he'd once told me. There were those who could sense Holy Blood and he'd said those 'blessed by Skadi of the Mountains or Forseti of Wind' were particularly sensitive to it.

Did Lewyn know Deirdre had 'Holy' Blood? I had to find out. If he did, I would have to bribe his silence somehow. But that was for later. He had marched with everyone else so I could not ask. So, instead, I returned to my task of brushing Deirdre's hair and pushed the thought to the side. I did not want Deirdre to worry further, especially when I had just finished reassuring her.

Around the time I finished brushing Deirdre's hair, and was mentally debating whether or not I could keep brushing it to have something to do, someone knocked on the door and opened it without waiting for a response. "Hi, hi!" Silvia, the culprit, greeted, skipping inside. Shannan followed her more closely with a bundle of flowers in his arms. "Wanted to let you know those two knights, Alexius and Ulysses, will be returning to the estate to assist in daily tasks and patrols." She shut the door behind them and nudged Shannan closer to us. "Lykos just sent a messenger, and I said I'd pass it along so you two didn't have to move." That was considerate of her. "Shannan brought flowers to braid into your hair."

"Silvia, I need to ask first!" Shannan protested, blushing a bright red. I had to muffle a laugh since this was the second time Silvia just nonchalantly revealed another's purpose. I had a feeling she preferred to be the only one 'dancing about', even around subjects. "I… um…"

"You would've had to explain it anyway. What's the fuss?"

"For a dancer, you have a poor sense of timing."

"I have impeccable timing, thank you very much. This isn't some diplomatic nonsense where you have to take your time and sway around your meanings like a slow waltz. Conversations with friends should be light and fast, like a quickstep." Silvia scoffed, pretending to be haughty, only to wilt when Shannan stared at her blankly. "What? Those are noble dances, right?"

"I wouldn't know? I didn't have dancing lessons."

"Don't noble children usually have those?"

"I skipped them." He said it so innocently that I barely bit back my laugh. Deirdre didn't even bother, her laughter filling the room. "I didn't see a point when I didn't want to dance with anyone and I would finish the lesson in five minutes when the teacher wanted to take an hour." Did Od's skill extend to dancing? "Father said that even if I was naturally skilled enough to copy the movements, it would mean nothing because dancing is more than that." He smiled shyly. "I didn't understand until I saw you dance, Silvia. All the balls and banquets in Isaach were stiff and boring compared to your shows."

"W-well, I do try to make it lively." Silvia fussed with one of her pigtails, a pleased and shy smile on her face. "I'd say I'd teach you, but my dances are solo ones meant for an audience. Nobles learn dances for partners and social activity. So I guess in your case, you could dance well enough alone, but you need practice to be aware of your partner and your surroundings."

"That makes more sense than what Grandfather and Father said. I'll ask Aunt Ayra when she returns." He paused and then shyly looked at Deirdre and me. Did they forget we were here? "Um… so, may I braid your hair?"

"You always ask so politely," Deirdre noted, with another, softer laugh. I set the brush down and stepped away to give Shannan room. "Is there a significance to braiding in Isaach?"

"Huh? Oh, um…" Shannan immediately stammered, ducking his head. To my surprise, a blush slowly crept up the back of his neck, all the way to his ears. "...Family…"

"Hmm?"

"In Isaach, nobles only let family members braid their hair." Oh? …Oh. "Well, mostly. It's expected for spouses to have priority, but then again, they are also family and… um…"

"Shannan?" Deirdre smiled brilliantly, and I knew I was smiling as well. Ayra and Shannan… they considered us as close as family. They trusted us that much. It was impossible to describe just how happy the knowledge made us. "Will you braid my hair?"

"...Yes!" Shannan looked up again, and his bright smile was a perfect match to Deirdre's. "Um... can I braid the flowers too? I thought they'd be really pretty."

"I'd be delighted! But let's put some in Alicia's hair as well. She really looks lovely with flowers in her hair."

"She does! I hope Chulainn gets her more." This reminded me. I still needed to find where he hid that seventh letter. He refused to give me hints, and I wanted to find it so badly. The other six had been so sweet and I wanted to bind them into a little book along with the flowers I'd pressed. ...Was this what a scavenger hunt was like? If so, I could understand why the villagers enjoyed playing them as part of the harvest festival. "Um... where can I...?" But that was for later. For now, I had to help Shannan climb onto Deirdre's chair so he could easily reach her hair. "Thank you!"

"Aw, you guys look so sweet~!" Silvia cooed, leaning forward a little as she swung her hands back to clasp them. I caught the split-second jealousy in her eyes, and was reminded of Dew. "I should-"

"Join in?" I 'suggested', less because I thought she wanted to do so and more as a reassurance. I did not want her to feel like an outsider. "Though, I imagine dancing with flowers in your hair would be complicated."

"Depends on the dance. But the lively and energetic ones I favor would lead to the petals flying off." She replied easily, a touch of surprise coloring the words. But she smiled softly, like she'd caught the reason why I'd said it. "But it might be fun for those slower dances."

"I think you'd look pretty with carnations in your hair, Silvia," Deirdre commented, careful to keep still. Shannan was already hard at work with the braids, threading the flowers in with ease. I thought he'd braid it and then stick the flowers in afterwards. "One for each pigtail would be so cute!"

"Of course it would, since I'm the cutest," Silvia replied loftily, even lifting her chin and placing her hands on her hips to further appear smug. The way she quickly turned her attention away, however, hinted she was shy about the comment. "Anyway, I'll just sit and watch this time."

"Why don't you take the chair over there?" Deirdre pointed to the plush, velvet chair set up by the fireplace for emphasis. "I can guarantee the comfort. I sit there every day for Alicia's checkups."

"It does look soft." Silvia poked at the cushion and the arms before flopping down in the most graceful display of sprawling I had ever seen. "Wow, this is nice. Aside from whatever is poking me."

"Poking?" Deirdre almost made to stand, but stopped before she disrupted Shannan. "Strange, I don't remember feeling anything earlier."

"It's tucked in the back corner, and you wear more layers than me." Silvia didn't wear much of anything, even when she wasn't dancing. "Let's see..." She swung her legs around so she was seated on the arm of a chair and leaned down to poke at the cushion. "Oh, looks like something is stuck." She tugged it out without much problem, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw what it was. "Why is there an envelope with Alicia's name on it here?"

"That's where he hid it?!" I gasped without thinking, rushing over to claim it. The letters were to be hidden in places dear to me... and so he hid the last one in a place I frequented often, while checking on my best friend. No wonder I couldn't find it; I was always focused on my work. He knew it too, darn it. "He's ridiculous." But I could not help but smile, and I knew I was blushing faintly as I held the letter close.

"So, I have a guess..." Silvia's teasing, sing-song voice reminded me I was not alone. She had the smuggest grin on her face, and Deirdre's wasn't much better. Shannan just looked confused. "But is that a love letter from Chulainn?" she asked, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"...Maybe." I quickly tucked it behind my back. "Anyway, thank you for finding it."

"Aw, he's a bit of a prankster, isn't he?" Yes, he was. "So, as my reward, can I read it?"

"That would be a 'no'."

"Please?"

"No."

"Silvia, let them have their fun," Deirdre urged, her smugness fading for laughter. Shannan apparently decided to write this off as 'adults being weird again' and returned to braiding Deirdre's hair. "Please?"

"Aw, but it's fun to tease," Silvia 'complained', smiling far too brightly for the words to truly be 'complaints'. Still, she lounged back in the chair before long. "And I'm curious. The quiet ones are the shyest, but the most romantic in their writings from what I know."

"All the more reason for Alicia and Chulainn to keep it between themselves. I'm sure it's already hard enough for him to express himself." Indeed, each time I found one, Chulainn had to run away so he was not around when I read them.

"You always take his side."

"Of course! We're good friends." She beamed. "He and I have similar tastes in strategies and romance. Particularly romantic partners."

"That... actually, that's true." Was it? "Drat, this makes me want to read it more."

"No, no, I must protect my best friend's privacy." She muffled a laugh. "So, Silvia, would you mind if I request a dance? I missed your last show."

Silvia, of course, was always up for a dance, and performed a small show just for the three of us. I tucked myself into a corner to read through Chulainn's letter, just as sweet as the others, and only rejoined them when Shannan called, because he was done with Deirdre's hair and now wanted to braid mine.

It was a wonderfully restful afternoon. I hoped we'd have more days like this, once everything finally settled.

---

It was very strange, shopping for herbs. I hadn't done it in a very long while, since Dew now knew enough about herbs to buy what I needed and insisted on buying them. I would write down the few things he didn't know, and he'd bring them back with a bright smile, eager for me to ruffle his hair while telling him he did well. So, it was very strange indeed to be out in the market, but I needed a few more herbs for Deirdre's medicines. I usually would've tried to forage, since I knew they grew locally, but…

"Lady Deirdre gave me strict instructions to not allow you outside the castle walls, Lady Alicia." Unfortunately, Ulysses refused to relent. "She seems quite worried you'd find trouble if you did," he continued, following me dutifully. I tried not to scowl. While I did not mind his company, I hadn't wanted a guard originally. Deirdre insisted. "Pray, forgive me, but I do not wish to put more stress on her."

"No, I understand," I relented, biting back a sigh. After all, that was why I didn't protest Ulysses accompanying me. "It would just be cheaper."

"I have been around many nobles due to my job, and you must be the first to worry about how much you're spending."

"I hid in a village for a very long while, and had to be frugal if I wanted to indulge in my ideals."

"Old habits die hard." He glanced to the side and gently took my arm to guide me down a different path. "Forgive me, my lady, but I fear I'll lose you in the crowd if we continue down the main road. I know a shortcut to the apothecary from here."

"I will happily take any path which leads to less people."

"Then I was right. You do not feel comfortable in crowds." He said the words lightly, but I frowned at him. "It was only a guess, since you always appear serene, but I thought you were less relaxed in the training yards than the halls. I was uncertain if it was due to your circumstances and a fear of being surrounded by potential enemies, or if you simply found throngs of people draining."

"I am reminded why I was relieved you joined our side quickly."

"It wasn't a hard decision." He smiled faintly, and I muffled a laugh. "Ah, but I am reminded. Pen said you chatted with Hellen and learned Alexius finally proposed."

"Yes, I happened to pass by the boutique while out with Ethlyn and Lex. I hope their planning hasn't been disrupted by all of this."

"Only a trifle. They're still in the early stages and they can still brainstorm on their own." His smile grew. "However, the reason I brought it up was because I doubt Pen mentioned how we knights celebrated."

"Please tell me no one was injured."

"Just some bruises, and that was only because one of the knights didn't realize he'd sprained his arm during training. We do try not to give Master Cassian extra work. However, I personally find the story quite entertaining."

"Oh?" I smiled back. "Would you mind telling me? I could use a good tale, and I have a feeling Cassian's rendition will be more irritated."

"Only because we dragged him into it. Or, rather, Captain Lykos did."

Ulysses weaved the tale as we weaved around the crowd, detailing how the knights had planned a surprise party for the duo, which included literal barrels of flower petals. How they gathered that much, I had no idea. All Ulysses said was 'Lady Iris assisted', and I again wondered at just what sort of person Lykos's wife was. Then I was distracted by Ulysses explaining how they'd poured the petals on the new couple. Was this an Agustrian tradition or had they just thought it would be funny? Though I was curious, I wasn't certain how to ask, especially since we made it to the apothecary by then. It didn't take long to find what I needed; it honestly took longer to pay. Then, once we were outside, a chipper voice rose above the general cacophony of the crowd to further distract me.

"Huh? Ulysses? Lady Alicia?" Penelope popped out of the crowd, dressed in a beautiful pale blue dress with white lace along the hem. Seeing the flower pattern, I wondered if Hellen had made it for her. "What are you two doing out here?" she asked, slipping closer so the crowd didn't take her away. "Is everything well?"

"Everything is fine, Pen," Ulysses answered easily. He had a slight, soft smile on his face, and I remembered what Hellen had said about him and Penelope. Should I give them time alone? ...No, if I tried, I was certain both would follow before long. "I'm simply escorting Lady Alicia."

"I see." She sulked at him playfully, leaning forward slightly to make sure he couldn't get away. "It's not fair you and Alexius got to return. You get to see two of my favorite ladies all the time."

"Pen, I somehow doubt anyone would bar you." Indeed, we'd welcome her company. "Why don't you visit when you finish the charms?"

"Ulysses…!" Penelope blushed and scowled at him. "They're supposed to be a surprise!" Didn't she mention them to me before, though? I swore she did. "Hmph!" She turned away from him with a huff and moved to stand in front of me. "What brings you out to the market, Lady Alicia?"

"I'm simply buying some herbs for Deirdre's medicines," I answered, holding up my basket for emphasis. A ripple of movement caught my attention, but I dismissed it as simply the crowd being the crowd. "I was running low, so I thought I'd make some more before we ran out. It is nothing..."

I trailed off as a sudden hush swamped the market crowd, the silence ringing loudly in my ears. This many people were never meant to be quiet. This many people were never meant to have their faces pale, their hands tremble. This many people were never meant to be still, and now I knew the 'ripple' I had seen before had been the start, the first to notice whatever had happened. I didn't know what. No matter where I looked, all I saw was silence and terror.

"Black flags..." But Ulyssess's attention had snapped to the horizon, and his eyes narrowed as I looked at him in confusion. "Black flags just rose above the ramparts," he murmured, taking my arm. Penelope stepped a little closer and took his free hand. "Enemies are at the gates."

"Then we need to return," I whispered, keeping my calm. We did not know what was going on yet, so I had to be calm. "Penelope, why don't you come with us?"

"Yes, please, Pen. I'd feel better if I knew you were in a safe location."

Penelope agreed with a quiet nod, and Ulysses led the way back, taking shortcuts and alleys to ensure we made it with minimal delay. The inside of the estate was just as silent, the tension palpable. I passed my basket of purchases to Ulysses and Penelope, so they could take it to my room, and hunted for Deirdre. She was seated in... one of the fancier rooms. I could not remember its name for the life of me, but I did know it was for formal visits.

"Ah, Lady Alicia, there you are." Lykos was with her, standing at attention a few steps away. "I was just informing Lady Deirdre what the flags mean," he explained, bowing slightly. I nodded a greeting and headed over to stand just behind Deirdre's chair. "Do you need...?"

"No, Ulysses told me," I reassured, resting a hand on Deirdre's shoulder. She was rigid in the chair, though she did her best to not show it. "Penelope is with us. We happened to run into her in the market, so..."

"I understand."

"Do we have any information about just who is at the gates?" Deirdre asked softly, sitting straight and tall. She clasped her hands in her lap and was the picture of dignity. "Or is it a general 'enemies'?"

"While there has been no introduction, one of mine used to live in Agusti and recognized their leader," Lykos answered, speaking slowly. I had a feeling this was about to be even worse than expected. "Zyne, commander of the Lion's Guard, is at the gates."

"Well, that's... lovely." Deirdre glanced down briefly. "Where are Shannan and Silvia?"

"I sent Alexius to bring them here, for safety reasons." Yes, if they were blatantly at the gates, then there was a chance someone had already infiltrated. "They should be here before..." A quiet knock interrupted him. Inanely, I remembered Deirdre's complaint about all the knocks when we were in Mackily's castle. "Speak of the demon." He cracked open the door to confirm and opened it fully to let the three in. Shannan immediately bolted for me, clinging to my leg with one hand. The other... the other hugged the stuffed cat I'd made him in Verdane. "Alexius, did you inform Miss Silvia and Prince Shannan of what was going on?"

"He did, so I have the question of how the hee..." Silvia began, her tone surprisingly light. Her eyes flicked to Shannan and she swallowed a word. "Heck. How the heck they're here." She skipped over to us and leaned against the arm of Deirdre's chair to grip her hand and squeeze it reassuringly. Alexius shut the door and lingered near to guard. "It's just a hunch, but I don't think they met our forces."

"But that should be impossible," Deirdre pointed out, her voice shaking very slightly. I could practically hear her worries, specifically about the 'calamity' she was always told she'd bring. Had it befallen our friends? "Quan and Sigurd both planned on blocking the path."

"Right, Lewyn said the same when telling me about what was going on. So, it doesn't make any sense. They can't have all passed through the woods, right?"

"I'd be surprised. Ayra and Chulainn were stationed there, and I somehow doubt..." She frowned and looked at Lykos. "Were they mounted?"

"They were," Lykos confirmed, his voice a little tight. If I recalled correctly, he had also weighed in on the formation. So, what would be a blind spot for so many? I had a whisper in the back of my head, telling me I might have an idea. But what? "I imagine traveling through the woods with the horses would've been... less than subtle."

"That ignores how animals usually are around those two," Deirdre commented airily, forcing herself to be amused. It became 'true' amusement when Lykos and Alexius gave her a weird look. "Chulainn and Ayra both adore animals, and animals adore them just as much. Surprisingly, they like Chulainn more than Ayra." That would be because he was of House Sophara and, from what Ayra said, that line inherited the 'lion's share' of the animal charming. I wondered if it was related to the 'something wild' Chulainn had mentioned. "So, horses getting past them is terribly unlikely."

"All of this is unlikely, my lady."

"Yes..." The only explanation that made sense was the one none of us wanted to think about.

But that whisper in the back of my head grew a little louder, telling me there was something we were all missing. "What was their condition?" I asked, mostly to buy myself time. "Were they injured?"

"No, according to those at the gates, there were no visible injuries," Lykos answered. I frowned, however, because that implied they hadn't met ours. While I could think of a few scenarios where they could have battled and come out unscathed, it did not fit what Sigurd said about Agustrian knights. Agustria favored open strength, the strength to lead from the front, so we should expect they did not do anything underhanded such as traps or sabotage. "They honestly just looked like they'd traveled hard."

"I see." That last sentence was the hint I needed to figure out what this whisper was. "Might someone get me a map?"

"A map?" Lykos was confused for all of a second before nodding to Alexius. "Quickly." Alexius bowed and bolted out the door, barely remembering to close it. "Why do you need a map, my lady?"

"I had a thought, and I want to see how plausible it is." Out of our current group, I was the only one who had seen a map of Agustria recently, and was a stranger to Agustria. If I was right, then... "Let's clear the table." I smiled apologetically at Shannan, who still clung to me. "Shannan, I unfortunately need to move."

"Shannan, stay near me, will you?" Deirdre requested, shifting to one side of her chair. Shannan took the quiet offer and climbed into the chair with her so he could curl against her. "Aw, you're so warm and soft." She carefully pulled her hand from Silvia's and hugged him tightly. "I just love hugging you."

"I'm not soft," Shannan protested instinctively, clutching his stuffed cat. He pouted up at her, to the amusement of everyone else in the room. "I've been training!"

"But you remain adorable as ever." She pressed her cheek against his hair. "You should stay small like this forever."

"No way! I'm going to be as tall as Lex one day!"

Shannan continued protesting, and Deirdre continued teasing. Silvia and Lykos even weighed in, with Lykos siding with Shannan and Silvia, with Deirdre. I stayed out of it, cleaning the table to have something to do. Thankfully, Alexius returned with the map before long and, together with Lykos, we spread it across the now empty table. Lykos and Alexius helpfully found items to pin it open, and I focused all my attention on the map itself, scrutinizing it. In less than a second, I found what had been bothering me.

"Lykos," I began softly, wondering if I was being ridiculous. Everyone who had been in the strategy meetings had pored over this map a thousand times and more. Would they have missed something so... "Are there paths through the mountains?" Yet the more I thought about it, the more certain I was. After all, the Tuncier Mountains, which separated Agustria from the rest of the continent, began in the area between Mackily, Agusti, and Evans.

"Are there paths?" Lykos repeated, startled for some reason. He stared at the map for a full minute before cursing under his breath. "Damn it."

"There are."

"Technically. If someone is inclined to commit suicide." He rested a fist over the mountains on the map, like he could rip them out of the land. "They haven't been used since King Hodr's reign. They crumbled easily, prone to rockslides and landslides. Too many accidents occurred, so King Hodr ordered the paths to be left alone once the search for survivors finished. Everyone knows this. We're taught from a young age to avoid the mountains and there's hundreds of tales both true and fictional detailing the sheer recklessness of it."

"However, traversing them would have allowed them to bypass Sigurd's army entirely." I remembered where the tokens had fallen. They'd stopped short of the mountains. "It's the one path no one would think to watch, because no one would expect the enemy to gamble on a high risk, high gain strategy." But I was a stranger to Agustria. I did not know this 'common knowledge.' That's why I even had the whisper of a thought. "It's a boldness bordering on arrogance."

"But Chagall is nothing if not arrogant," Deirdre murmured, drawing everyone's attention once more. She pressed one hand to her mouth as she thought, while keeping her arm wrapped around Shannan. "So, it would fit, and yet I am not so certain. Given what I know of his temperament, I do not think it would occur to him to go around. Like a child, he has no concept of 'failure' and 'consequences'."

"Then that implies this was the leader's idea, yeah?" Silvia asked rhetorically, bracing her hands on the arm of the chair so she could lean back and kick her legs out to stretch. "But why go through all the trouble?"

"Why indeed..." Deirdre closed her eyes briefly, but when she opened them, they were hard with resolve. "There's only one way to learn. Lykos, allow their leader, and only their leader, to enter for negotiations."

It was a testament to Lykos's trust in us, and the seriousness of the situation, that he did not make even a token protest. Instead, he immediately sent word for Ulysses to relay our offer. While we waited, Penelope moved into the room with us, tucking herself into the far corner to keep out of the way while still being safe. Shannan and Silvia settled in with her, and Alexius helped move the furniture around so the three could sit in chairs. Lykos… he attempted to get me to join them, no doubt because I had no means to defend myself, but I refused. I wished to support Deirdre, so I remained at her side. The smile she flashed at me over her shoulder screamed how much she appreciated it.

Everyone had just settled into their places when a knock heralded our guest's arrival. We had them wait for a second, just long enough to make things uncomfortable, before Lykos opened the door and let Zyne inside. Since Ulysses did not follow, I guessed he would guard the door from the outside.

"I greet the Lady of Chalphy," Zyne said, his tone far more formal than one would expect. The accompanying bow was the picture of politeness. "I am Zyne, Captain of the Lion's Guard. I have held the post for three years." That was nice?

"I would say 'welcome', but I'm rubbish at lying," Deirdre replied, her tone just as polite. Briefly, I remembered her saying something similar in the past and decided, given recent events, she wasn't actually bad at lying. I think she'd just been around people who knew her well. "Let us cut through the formalities, Zyne." Her smile was beautifully sharp, as dignified as a shining sword. The effect was only increased when Lykos joined me behind Deirdre's chair. "I think we can agree our time is much more valuable."

"I see the adage is true about spouses being like one another." He straightened, and his expression settled into something serious. "The answer is simple. I intend to challenge Lord Sigurd to a duel. It is my hope that doing so will lessen casualties."

"Is that so? That only makes me more confused." Deirdre tilted her head slightly, just enough for some of her hair to slip in front of her shoulder. "Given you rode through the mountains, you cannot be unaware he marched out." Zyne smiled slightly, like he was impressed we figured out how he made it to us. "So, why are you here?"

"My lady, you must be aware of your husband's reputation. He has conquered two countries in the name of saving his dearest friends." I had a bad feeling suddenly. "I need to ensure he will listen, instead of simply charging forth to save Lord Eldigan."

"'Ensure'?" Deirdre's voice cooled. "So, you want a hostage." She looked up at Lykos, her expression carefully stoic. "Perhaps you should tell him how well it went for the last one, Lykos? Perhaps they have not yet heard in Agusti."

"I had no intentions of drugging you, my lady, or hiding you until the conflict ends." So, they did hear of it, then. "I would never endanger someone Lord Eldigan cares about." …That was strange. Why would he mention Lord Eldigan? "I simply need Lord Sigurd to pause long enough for negotiations." Would it work? Sigurd did not usually react well to loved ones being in danger. "You would be free to return as soon as the duel ends, no matter the outcome." This honestly sounded more like an elaborate suicide plan, and if it was, it was terribly cruel and selfish for him to involve others.

But I suppose it didn't matter and, truthfully, neither did this conversation. While it was good to hear his reasons, the fact was Zyne was here. He was here, and we had to assume he was very skilled, given he led the force dedicated to protecting the royal family. We had to assume his fellows were just as skilled. Given how he had already surprised us, we also had to assume he knew hidden ways within Mackily's walls, and had hidden troops. We'd already underestimated our enemy, and now had to act as if they had prepared for a refusal. This would mean battle. This would mean a siege.

But a siege… it would occur before we had time for evacuations. Even if by some miracle we managed to evacuate everyone in the city without a single death or injury, the resulting battle would be destructive. The siege in Nordion proved that much; it was still being rebuilt. How many would lose their homes, their livelihoods, their well-being if this came to battle?

Then there was the reason Sigurd had refused Lykos's help to start with. We did not want Mackily to fight royal soldiers. While in-fighting and skirmishes were the norm in Agustria, fighting against the king carried a weight Mackily would bear for decades. It would never be able to mend the relationship with the other duchies. This had to be avoided, for Agustria's future stability.

So, the answer was obvious. We had to play along. But that didn't mean…

"Pardon me, but would you accept a substitute?" I asked quietly, stepping forward. Deirdre made to protest, but I rested a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "No matter how much you promise you mean no harm, Deirdre is four months pregnant. I somehow doubt you and yours are equipped to properly take care of her, especially given the cold."

"That… is a fair guess, my lady," Zyne answered, bowing slightly. His eyes never left mine, respectful curiosity glimmering within. "Might I have your name?"

"I am Alicia." I was careful to smile. "I believe I can serve the same purpose easily enough."

"Alicia!" Deirdre yelped then, making to stand. But I kept my hand on her shoulder, so she stayed put. "You can't…!"

"My lady, there is no reason to put yourself in danger," Lykos immediately declared, stepping towards Zyne. But I brought up my free hand to stop him and, thankfully, he did. "I've been preparing the defenses for such a scenario."

"And you don't fight, Alicia! If he breaks his word-"

"But I don't think he will," I whispered, my attention still on Zyne. Why did I think this? It was due to two things. One, he'd purposely mentioned Lord Eldigan, and had not once even referenced Chagall. Two, he'd told us how long he'd held the post. 'Three years' meant Chagall had not been the one to appoint him; it had been King Imuka. "So, Zyne, will I do?" Besides, it wasn't as if I didn't have… half… of a plan.

"I believe so, my lady," Zyne answered softly. This time, his bow was deeper, a show of respect. "Where should I wait for you to gather your things?"

"You may remain in the courtyard. I will meet you momentarily." I looked right at Lykos. "Please, escort him. I'd rather he did not wander about."

And that was it. At least, that was it for me. For the others, there were protests. There were many protests. However, I refused to hear any of them and strode out of the room without another word. My decision was made, so I had to think and pack quickly. The sooner I was gone, the sooner this would be over with.

"Lady Alicia!" Unfortunately, one person thought to chase after me: Alexius. "Lady Alicia, there's no need for you to do this!" he protested, catching up to me easily. I could only bite back a sigh; I was already exhausted. "We can protect you! We can protect everyone! We can-!"

"We could always refuse, but what then?" I retorted, deciding to cut to the heart of the matter. Maybe he could tell the others and I'd only endure this once. "Can we ensure everyone's safety both within and without? Can we ensure they will not lose everything, including their lives?" I turned to face him and decided to go with the lowest of blows. "What would you do about Hellen? Will you prioritize her in the evacuations? Will you risk someone else to ensure she made it to safety?"

"That…" He reeled back, as I knew he would. No matter what his answer was, selfish or selfless, the question alone would always make someone pause. "That is…"

"The ideal of saving everyone… the ideal of protecting everyone… they're poisons, plain and simple. They are impossible dreams, ones fools like me strive for anyway because impossibility is not an excuse to give up. But that does mean we fail, time and time again. We try, and we fail, and we keep going." I met his gaze head on, firm yet gentle. "But who we fail? How? We don't get to choose. So, I'd rather walk the path which avoids any chance I may fail those I love."

"But you'll be in danger!" Drat, he recovered a little more quickly than I'd anticipated. "He's Chagall's knight!"

"Is he? He's been the captain for three years, and likely served longer. King Imuka hasn't even been dead for a year." I smiled faintly, and he stared back, stunned. "Besides, if I do not go into danger, then you all will. There's danger no matter what."

"I'm a knight. It's my choice."

"And this is mine." Besides, as the Siege of Nordion proved, I would be a priority target if this turned to battle anyway. I might as well pick my danger. "Please make sure he behaves in the courtyard until I depart."

"...As you will, my lady." He had a pained look on his face, even as he bowed. "Ha… I can't even repay you for saving me…"

"I am never paid for my services. I've told you this. However…" I made myself smile, hoping to end this in a lighthearted fashion. "I will happily accept an invitation to the wedding."

"Of course, my lady. We'd be honored."

Alexius let me leave then, and no one else stopped me. Once inside my room, I grabbed the first couple of dresses I could find and packed them into my medicine bag alongside some books. It didn't matter what I wore, so long as it was neat, and I could always study as we traveled. I'd need to stop by the kitchens on the way out for quick snacks I could easily stash, but the packing wasn't difficult. It wasn't difficult until I looked to where my staves leaned against the far wall and focused on the half-plan I had.

I did not fight. That was a true statement, but there was… the wording felt like a 'choice', and I could never decide if this was a choice or not. It was not a vow or anything, and it wasn't just a fear of becoming someone who enjoyed others' pain as my father did. It wasn't just Father Eirik's lectures of 'blood will always tell' ringing in my ears. It wasn't just how my instinct when I saw injured was to rush to their aid.

It was how the thought was enough to make my stomach twist and turn until I felt like my insides were a mass of pain and nausea. It was how the thought made my chest ache and tighten until every breath felt like my lungs were filled with acid and glass shards. It was how the thought made my body tremble until I could barely keep upright. It was how the thought made my vision blur and darken until everything looked like splashes of color framed in shadow.

I could not fight, because my body and mind violently rejected the thought. I refused to cause harm, because finding a way to push through was nothing but a nightmare, even without the added weight of my father's shadow and Father Eirik's scorn.

Yet there was something Sigurd once told me about Agustrian duels, and the half-of-a-wisp plan in my head depended heavily on it. It depended heavily on another aspect, one I was not sure my body and mind would allow. So, I stared at my staves, and thought. I thought, and thought, and thought. I imagined the scenario a thousand times and came to a single conclusion. It made me sick. It made it hard to breathe. It made me shake. But it was less. It was less than my reactions to the thought of fighting, the thought of causing harm. It was bearable. I could endure this.

So, I grabbed my chosen staff, wrapped it in a blanket to hide, and left my room while throwing my bag over my shoulder.

Even with my detour to the kitchens, it didn't take me long to make it to the courtyard, where Zyne waited patiently but not alone. Lykos and Alexius were there, glaring at him as they flanked a very, very irate Deirdre. Unable to check the urge, I looked about curiously and saw Silvia and Shannan were standing near, with Silvia holding Shannan tightly as he shook.

I wanted to reassure him, but I wasn't certain I had the time. We did not know how long Zyne would wait. So, with an ache in my heart, I headed for Zyne... just in time to hear Deirdre threaten him.

"If even one hair on her head is harmed, Zyne, Sigurd is going to be the least of your worries," Deirdre growled, glaring fiercely at him. You'd never guess she was constantly short of breath nowadays due to her baby. "I trust you understand."

"Deirdre, save the threats for later," I chided, stepping up. Her fierceness evaporated like fog under the dawn when she saw me. "Have a little faith."

"It's not you I'm questioning."

"Truly? You look as if you're ready to hunt for my sense."

"I should, considering you're trying to leave without a cloak. It's freezing!" She whipped hers off with ease and draped it around my shoulders. "...I wish you'd stay..." She ducked her head as she tied the cloak shut. "But I know why you're doing this." This was the safest for all of us. "So..."

"Deirdre..." Seeing how distraught she was, I hugged her tightly so I could whisper in her ear. "Later, check my staves." I pulled back and patted her shoulder. She gave me the most confused look before her eyes widened. I knew that would be enough of a hint. "Remember to rest, all right? I won't be here to nag you." Maybe Penelope could stay and assist her. I could… they could discuss it later. I didn't see her or Ulysses out here, so I couldn't ask her myself. "But I had best-"

"Alicia!" Just as I tried to step away, Shannan latched onto my leg tightly enough to bruise. Silvia caught my eye over his head and smiled apologetically; she must've tried and failed to hold him back. "Do you have to go?" he asked plaintively. "I..."

"It will be fine, Shannan," I reassured, because the answer was obvious. He knew it too. But he was scared, so he had to ask anyway. "I promise." Carefully, I crouched down, breaking his grip on my leg, and held out my pinky to him. He hooked his around it without hesitation to 'seal' the promise. "Make sure Deirdre does not indulge in sweets, will you? You know how sneaky she can be." It was a testament to how upset Deirdre was that she didn't even pretend to be offended.

"I… I will." His breath caught, and he struggled to fight back tears. "So, c-come back soon."

"Of course." I waited for him to let go and stood, facing Lykos with a smile. "I leave their safety in your capable hands, Lykos."

"If I am so capable, you should stay," Lykos sighed. But he did not argue; I wondered if Alexius had told him of my resolve. "They'll be safe. You have my word."

"Thank you," I whispered, nodding my head. This time when I stepped back, no one stopped me. Alexius looked away, still conflicted, and Silvia remained apart, watching with knowing eyes. "My apologies for the delay, Zyne." I turned to face him, as calm as ever. Right now, I had to be as serene and confident as Father Eirik had taught me, to hide the anxiety churning through my entire being. "Shall we depart?"

Please let this wisp of a plan work…

---

Our army was more than a full day from Mackily. As such, Zyne and his soldiers had chosen to rest at an inn perfectly situated on the side of the road. He negotiated the price for the night, and I was 'graciously' given my own room to rest in, unlike the knights who were sharing two to a room. While I appreciated not having to share a room with a stranger, I wasn't stupid. I knew it was to make it easier to keep me under watch. If I had any doubts, the guard at my window and the other at my door made it abundantly clear.

But I pretended otherwise. I pretended I was simply staying at an inn, as Azelle and I did on the trip to Velthomer. He ensured we had our own rooms at each one, and I had used the time to study before drifting off to sleep. So, I did the same here. I cracked open one of the books Prince Kurth sent and immersed myself in the fascinating ways illnesses and medicine shaped history and vice versa. I could understand why Prince Kurth was an avid historian, reading this. I never thought about what fueled medical breakthroughs until now.

"Lady Alicia?" Sadly, my reading was interrupted by Zyne entering my room. "My apologies, but I knocked multiple times and heard no answer," he murmured, inclining his head apologetically. I simply focused on the plate in his hand. "I brought you dinner."

"You can set it on the table," I replied, returning to my book. I hoped he'd take the hint and leave.

Unfortunately, he did not. "I wished to thank you again for agreeing to my proposal."

"It's so strange to hear a captor thank his hostage for being cooperative." I flipped the page, more focused on my book. "And please, do not insult my intelligence by pretending otherwise. You need a hostage because you believe Sigurd is too angry to listen unless something makes him pause." And I thought he was idiotic for thinking Sigurd wouldn't be angrier at this. "Though, I suppose I am curious about something." I paused my reading to look up at him. "How did you come to the idea of a duel?"

"I thought I explained it already."

"Truly? If that was the only reason, you would be the only knight we've faced who has worried about casualties." I did not count Lykos in this, since we never actually fought him. "So, I must ask you to forgive me for being skeptical."

He was silent for a long moment before finally responding. "There is nothing more noble than dying for the motherland. That is my belief." I had to bite back my instinctual retort of 'is a country really worth dying for' and then bite my tongue again to ward off my secondary remark of 'are you really telling this to a healer?'. "However, that does not mean my knights believe the same. Perhaps they did, when King Imuka lived, and perhaps they might again when a proper king takes the throne. But while Chagall reigns, many of their hearts falter. It is a knight's duty to obey their king, but with a king like that…" He fell silent, and I wondered if that was the end of the conversation. "Not even King Imuka wanted Chagall to inherit."

"Oh?"

"He revealed to me shortly before his death that he was looking into the laws and ancient oaths to see if he could have Lord Eldigan succeed him." This was 'shortly' before his death? It was no wonder there were rumors Chagall had killed his father, then. But would he? I wasn't certain. Not even my father had committed patricide. But, then again, my father had barely been older than Arvis when he inherited. "It is a sentiment shared by many knights, and the people. We want him to inherit, someone who is noble and true. A knight in all meanings of the word. Who better to rule the country of knights? It is our hope he will challenge Chagall and claim the crown."

"Oh?" For some reason, the words irritated me. …No, it was not 'for some reason'. I knew why in an instant. "Well, given what I have seen, I cannot blame you for wanting a different king. However…" I met his gaze as calmly as I did everything, tucking my irritation behind my 'healer mask'. "I think pushing Lord Eldigan onto the throne is a terrible idea."

"What do you…?" He frowned and shook his head. "Is it not better to give the throne to someone whose ambition does not outpace his skill?"

"I do not speak of ambition. After all, I do not believe someone must have the ambition of being a ruler to claim it." Ah, how to explain this… "I speak of resolve. There have been several reluctant rulers in the past. According to the tales, even Saint Heim had not wanted to take the throne. But, in the end, he chose it and, due to his resolve, he ruled well. But would Lord Eldigan have such resolve? I am not so certain." It was a rather large assumption, given our minimal interactions, but I did know one thing. Quan had once mentioned Eldigan and Sigurd were similar, and I knew Sigurd would not have the resolve to rule a country. He barely had enough resolve to rule Chalphy.

"Do not insult him."

"How is it an insult? I do not question his integrity, nor his kindness. I do not demean his prowess in battle or his loyalty. I simply state I do not think he would have the resolve to rule an entire country, filled with thousands of people." You know; in retrospect, this was more than a little dangerous. But I suppose it wasn't the first time I argued with my captor. "Do you have any idea how difficult such a task is?"

"He's clearly skilled. Look at Nordion, if you doubt."

"Ruling a single duchy is not the same as ruling a country." Ha… how did I even get into this mess of a conversation? I should have kept silent. I used to be able to do that easily. "Surely you do not think every duchy, every city, in a country is the same? They're not." I was rambling on things I barely had any knowledge about. What I knew about 'ruling' came from Arvis, Sigurd, and Deirdre! "Not even their medicines are completely the same. But even if they somehow were, the amount of work needed to run a duchy is enormous. Imagine days upon days of paperwork, and then multiply it by the number of duchies you have." I returned my attention to my book, though I did not see the words at all. "To wish for Lord Eldigan to be buried under a mountain of reports… you have a strange way of showing your admiration, Zyne. Is it typical for Agustria?"

"...At least it would get done." He sighed, his fists clenched at his side. "Chagall does not perform any of his duties. He throws tantrums when things do not go his way and abandons anything which involves effort. That's why we must put Lord Eldigan on the throne. Why we should convince him to…"

"My, did he have my father as his role model? In that case, I understand your reservations even more. However…" I flipped the page again, but I still couldn't see them. So, I subtly slipped my bookmark behind the previous page, to reread later. "Has Lord Eldigan ever expressed a desire for the throne?"

"No, my lady. Yet who else is there?"

"I cannot answer that. I don't know enough about Agustria's nobility or the laws." What little I did hinted Ares would be the only other choice, with someone as his regent. "But, I do know that when Lord Eldigan became the Duke of Nordion, his oath removed him from the succession. Your wish would lead to an honorable man to go back on his word, and from what I know of Lord Eldigan, such an action would pain him for the rest of his days." I snapped my book shut and turned to face Zyne. "Forgive me, but I see no point in continuing this conversation. We're clearly at a stalemate. You see him as a righteous and true man, the only one who can lead Agustria to greater heights. That is why you and so many others want him on the throne." All of this was fair. I could not deny it. However... "But I see you as a knight so focused on your own perceptions you will sacrifice the one you claim to admire most for the stability of the many people, without any regard for his wants or resolve." This was why I hated the 'few for the many' ideal. "If you are going to use that as your excuse, you should sacrifice yourself first."

After all, though it pained me to even think, I could easily see an alternative. If he thought Chagall was so terrible, he should 'kill the tyrant' and be done with the matter. It would lead to a succession 'crisis', yes, but it would also force the conversation more neatly, and leave Lord Eldigan in a more favorable position. He would keep his honor and would be obligated to at least be part of the discussion. Perhaps he would even find the resolve to rule, if done in that way. But the way Zyne worded it… it bothered me.

How dare he shove all his hopes and expectations onto Lord Eldigan? Why did he not take the simplest action himself? He didn't come off as an honorable knight who wished to serve a true king; he acted like someone who was unwilling or unable to save himself and thus relied on the person he considered a 'hero', without any regards to said 'hero's' desires and limitations. Given his statement, he hadn't even thought of what to do if Lord Eldigan refused to 'challenge' Chagall.

Maybe I had spent too much time with Deirdre and Chulainn. I never used to think about these things.

We stared at each other for a long moment before he suddenly chuckled. "You have a knight's soul, my lady," he murmured.

I bristled at the words and asked archly, "Is that revenge for my insults?"

"It's meant as a compliment."

"I'm a healer. Being compared to a 'knight', especially by a knight who has taken me hostage, is nothing but a clever insult." I was reminded of how everyone claimed Sigurd and I were similar. I still didn't see it. He shone so much brighter. "Besides, this is nothing more than my own ideals coloring my world. Yours may be 'few for the many', but mine is to 'save everyone', including the few you would sacrifice."

"Most would call that pragmatism."

"Perhaps. But has there been a situation where after you sacrifice the 'few', you no longer have to sacrifice any? From my understanding, it is a continuous trial one only endures by giving orders and rarely seeing the consequences of their choice." Politics and succession were such headaches. How did we even get to this conversation? I had just asked him about why he wanted a duel. Did he want to minimize casualties, so Lord Eldigan had more people to lead in a coup? I truly hoped not. "I think I'd prefer to try and fail to save everyone."

"You... are a very interesting person, my lady." He bowed then, and I hoped it was a sign the conversation was over. I was exhausted. "I can see why Lord Eldigan and Lord Sigurd hold you in high regard." He nodded to my plate. "Please remember to eat."

"I might, if you remember to sleep. The hour is quite late."

"Ha... I fear I have not slept well since King Imuka was pronounced 'dead', so I hope you will not wait for that."

With that, he left, to my intense relief. I waited a few minutes, making sure he would not return, before taking the plate of food and setting it on the other side of the room, far away from me. No matter how honorable he appeared, I remembered what Clement's original plan had been and I was not inclined to trust a meal when I was alone, surrounded by enemies. Still, I was glad I thought to pack snacks when my stomach protested the decision, and a slight smile snuck onto my face. I used to skip meals all the time, but after being with everyone, it seemed I was now accustomed to regular meals.

But as I nibbled on my snacks, I looked out my window and thought of the conversation again. Despite my irritation, I was being honest when I said I couldn't blame Zyne. Chagall was not suited to be king, so of course, he turned to the only 'acceptable alternative'. I just… didn't think he was a 'good' choice either. Lord Eldigan was a knight, and a knight was not a king. Yet the conversation made it terribly clear that something was going to give. This incident was but the prelude to a coming storm.

Like it or not, I knew Lord Eldigan would have to make some sort of decision to navigate the quagmire Agustria had become. And I feared his decision would not be kind to him or anyone who loved him.

---

The next day, we resumed our journey to the army. I was seated with Zyne, and quickly decided I did not like riding nearly as much when I wasn't fond of the person I was riding with. In fact, it was a tedious, and aching, endeavor. I wanted my friends. I wanted Chulainn. I wanted to be anywhere but here. But 'here' was where I needed to be for this half-plan, so 'here' was where I would remain.

Still, it was a relief when I saw Erinys swoop down from the skies to land neatly on the road in front of Zyne and his knights. It meant we were close.

"What an interesting sight," Erinys greeted, her voice colder than I'd ever heard. Her eyes matched, green chips of ice. "Who are you and why do you have Lady Alicia?" Even her pegasus regarded us coldly, like it was carved from snow and ice. "Speak quickly, lest I risk defying healer orders."

"There is no need for that," Zyne replied, calm and even. I wished he'd let me down, but I knew he wouldn't. There was a risk I'd run to Erinys, and if she took off, his men would never catch her. "Might you convey a message to Lord Sigurd? I am Zyne, captain of the Lion's Guard, and wish for a duel. Lady Alicia kindly volunteered to bear witness."

"Is it custom in Agustria to dress up nonsense with pretty words? Your king is equally talented in lies." Her eyes darted to mine, ice cracking for worry, and thus, she did not notice Zyne's sudden tensing. "Lady Alicia..."

"Go ahead and let Sigurd know, Erinys," I urged, smiling calmly. Inside, I was a twisted mess of anxiety and stress, but I would not let it show. "I will be fine." And I hoped... I hoped Sigurd would play along.

She was reluctant. It was obvious from her eyes to her expression to her demeanor. But still, she was also a knight, and she would listen to orders. So, she took off, but not without giving Zyne a surprisingly vicious glare which only added to her earlier threat. I amended my hope to 'please let everyone play along.' I did not want to be in the middle of a battle again.

But there was nothing for it. Either they did or they didn't. I could only focus on what I had to do, and that was sit in this uncomfortable saddle until we finally, finally made it to the others.

There was… there was a lot of noise as we approached. I didn't know what or why. Though I wished I could pick out individual voices, or even faces, in the gathering crowd, my anxiety unfortunately blended everything and everyone together. I had to focus on my breathing to remain calm, and not shake when we finally stopped and Zyne dismounted. Though he reached up to assist me, I pointedly ignored the offered aid to dismount on my own, cradling my covered staff in my arms. I may have agreed to this farce, but that didn't mean I had to be polite about it. But perhaps I should have, since it was increasingly difficult to keep from shaking. I hoped I wasn't going to faint. I could not afford to faint right now.

"Well, this is a fine way to force a conversation." Sigurd's voice finally rose from the verbal mush clogging my ears, and I twisted slightly to watch as he finally solidified against the blurred mass of the crowd. "What ever happened to just messengers?" he asked lightly, his demeanor carefully neutral despite the fury sparking in his eyes as he glared at Zyne. That, and the tight grip he had on the hilt of his sword, hinted he was doing his best to not charge. "Do you think I am so dishonorable that I would attack one?"

"It was never my intention to insult you, Lord Sigurd, but I did fear for my men in the face of your righteous fury," Zyne replied, as calm as ever despite essentially confirming Sigurd's words. It took everything I had to focus on the two of them. I could not spare any attention for anyone else. "Especially given King Chagall's actions."

"You certainly have my attention now." Sigurd's eyes flicked to mine, and I thought I saw a quiet pleading. I wished I knew what he was asking, but my chest was too tight to think. I had to remind myself to breathe. "As the challenged, I am the one who gets to dictate the rules of engagement, yes?"

"Indeed." Zyne fetched his lance from his horse, and very slowly, everyone began moving to form a ring. I wondered how they all knew what to do. Was it just part of Agustrian duels? Then how did our side know? Was it Quan? That could be it, and I thought I saw one of ours, long green hair implying Sir Midir, try to take advantage of it to come close, but the Agustrian knights closed ranks around me before I could get a proper look. I was surrounded, so, to keep myself calm, I distracted myself by trying to figure out what they did with the horses. Near as I could tell, someone had led them away so they did not form part of the 'ring'. "I fear I only have my lance as a weapon, though."

"That's fine. You'll need the advantage to keep up with a Baldr Major's sword." Sigurd drew his for emphasis. I bit the inside of my mouth hard enough to taste blood. "Let's say the first one to, literally, fall will lose. Not a simple knee to the ground, but a full hit to the dirt."

"An interesting condition." That was all Zyne said to agree. It was apparently all he needed to say, since Sigurd undid his belt, and sheathe, and tossed it to the side with clear intent.

One second of silence passed, and then a second. On the third, both charged, and the duel began.

I made myself watch. I didn't want to. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide. I wanted to be anywhere other than where I was right now. I... I wanted Chulainn. I wanted to feel safe with him, and not surrounded by enemy knights. But I had to watch. This plan of mine, tentative as it was, relied on me watching.

So, I did. I watched every exchange of blows, did my best to follow the 'flow of battle' I had heard so many describe. I soon realized there was no way I could. To me, it was a terribly loud cacophony of chaos. I could barely tell Sigurd was faster, striking twice for every one swing Zyne managed. What little focus I had fixated on the blood slowly dotting the ground, and instinctually, I slipped my hand under the cloth to grip my staff. But it wasn't my Mend, so there was nothing I could do. Instead, I let a little power flow into the staff, readying for the split-second chance I would need to make this work. At least, that had been my intention.

"What is that glow?" someone beside me asked. I glanced up and cursed as I realized the glow was visible through the blanket I'd wrapped around. I'd hoped it was thick enough. "What are you doing?!" The two on either side of me reached out, and I jerked back without thinking. The one on my left managed to grab the blanket and pull, revealing my staff. The one on my right was a little luckier and caught the bandages on my arm, but since they were always tied loosely these days, they only unraveled.

"Well, there's no point in trying to be subtle now," I muttered to myself, twisting so I could see Zyne. He and Sigurd had paused their fighting, just long enough to try and make sense of the commotion. But a short moment was all I needed. "Have a pleasant dream." And I brought the Sleep staff high and used it on Zyne.

It worked, of course. Most people did not have a resistance to magic, and as a Fjalar Minor, magic was literally in my blood. He didn't even have a chance to protest before hitting the ground face-first. There was a long moment of silence as everyone processed what had happened, and then...

"How dare you intervene?!" the knight who had yanked my bandages demanded. He looked so incensed that I feared he may attack me, but I kept my calm. He was no scarier than Father Eirik, after all. "A duel is-!"

"Oh, was I mistaken?" I interrupted, my voice as serene and frozen as an iced-over lake. Feeling like ice had slipped into my veins, I brought the Sleep staff to my side and regarded the gathered crowd coolly. "I was under the impression that healers are allowed to intervene in Agustrian duels." I thought the knights flinched at the reminder, and the knowledge emboldened me. "Ah, but I suppose Zyne never did introduce me to the rest of you. I am Alicia of Velthomer, the Red Rose and Chief Healer of Sigurd's forces. How dare you question me?"

"But... but you...!"

"Are we really going to argue now, when I won the duel?" Sigurd drawled, casually making his way through the crowd now that the fight was over. Blood stained his clothes and blade, but he seemed completely unbothered. "Please tell me you are not going to further sully the Agustrian honor Eldigan so values. I've seen enough of that already from Heirhein, Anphony, and Mackily."

The knights flinched once more, but pulled away and surrendered. What other choice did they have? Zyne had declared the duel and lost. It truly was that simple, to knights at least. To me, I was rather startled it didn't become ten times more complicated, and I watched suspiciously as Sir Naoise and Sir Alec came over and began confiscating weapons. Was it… did it truly…?

"Well, this was definitely not how I expected my day to go," Sigurd sighed, stepping to my side to keep out of the way. He then poked my cheek of all things, successfully drawing my attention. "So, how did we get to four?"

"He wanted Deirdre," I countered, somewhere between resigned and exasperated. I was still tense, waiting for someone to declare the fighting would continue. "I simply took her place."

"Ah." He blinked a few times, surprised. "Of course you did."

"You really think I'd let my pregnant best friend play prisoner?" Shaking my head, I looked him over, tucked the Sleep staff in the crook of my elbow, and grabbed his hand to better examine his arm. While his usual white shirt was slowly turning crimson at many parts, his sleeve was the worst. "I should have brought a Mend staff with me. Look at these wounds."

"Superficial, I promise. I think he went in wanting to die."

"That strangely does not reassure me."

"Deal with it. Do you have any idea of the fright I just had?"

"You're still bleeding everywhere. Hold still."

"And of course you fuss immediately." He muttered something else I didn't catch before raising his free hand. "Quan, over here!" He waved to further secure attention and, by my eye, Quan materialized from thin air to join us. "Well met, my friend."

"Yes, yes, well met, Sigurd," Quan grumbled, his scowl not quite masking the tremble in his hands. Was he tired? He didn't have bags under his eyes or any other signs of exhaustion, though. Had he not eaten? "And Alicia, it is wonderful to see you, even as I am trying to figure out how you ended up in a hostage situation four times." Could we not hold these last two against me? "Sigurd, how the hell were you able to stay calm? The rest of us were livid."

"Because it's Alicia?" Sigurd answered easily, with the most confused look on his face.

It matched Quan's exasperation perfectly. "You do realize I'm asking because it's Alicia."

"What do you... oh, wait, I see." Sigurd smiled brightly. "Sorry, sorry. It's because it's Alicia and, since she did not break her promise to me, I assumed and hoped she had a plan."

"Are we really bringing up that promise right now?" I sighed, frowning at the gash I found on his arm. I didn't think it would need stitching, but it was bleeding profusely. I used my sleeve to try and keep pressure on it, wishing that one knight would give me back the blanket. Then I remembered my ever-present emergency pouch and fumbled inside for bandages. "Truly?"

"Depends, did you consider it?" Sigurd asked, still smiling. But I saw the undercurrent of worry in both his tone, and eyes.

So, I shook my head. "No, I did not." In fact, I hadn't even remembered the promise to not use a Final Strike. Dying... it had never been in my thoughts. I wanted to live with everyone, and so, my mind devoted itself to that alone, instead of dwelling on my fear of being used against those I loved.

"Then I won't speak of it further." His smile somehow brightened, and I realized now what the 'pleading' had been. 'Please, have a plan that is not a Final Strike.' "Anyway, does that answer your question, Quan?"

"Yeah, but now I have a new one," Quan retorted dryly, now looking completely unamused. He did, however, produce a small first aid kit from his pocket, one I eagerly seized so I could tend to the worst of Sigurd's injuries. I really should have brought a Mend staff! My emergency kit wasn't enough for all of this! I would need to reorganize what I had in it. "How did you keep calm long enough to think that? Your brain is usually the first thing you ignore in these situations." Sigurd squawked a protest, but Quan shook his head and sighed. "Alicia, please continue to be a good influence on him. Your calm is clearly infectious, even if you are just as reckless as he is."

"And you must have taken a head injury to be spouting nonsense like that," I replied, shaking my head. I frowned at Sigurd's injuries again and looked up at him. "Do you think Edain will let me borrow one of her staves?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Quan stared for a long moment before gaping. "Wait, you're not thinking about working, are you?!"

"Yes? Do you not have injured? Sigurd obviously needs tending, and…"

"Alicia, seriously, you... wait, why am I surprised?" He sighed heavily and took the Sleep staff from me. I tied off the bandage on Sigurd's arm and tried to retrieve it, but he quickly hid it behind his back. "It's you, the champion of workaholics. Of course you'd think about working when most people would be fetal for a week." He and Sigurd exchanged a nod and Sigurd scooped me up in his arm like I was a kitten! "Right, no work for you. Edain, Ethlyn, and Lachesis can handle things just fine."

"But I'm here, so I can help!" I flailed a little as I tried to wriggle out of Sigurd's grip, but he merely shifted me so I was sitting in the crook of his arm, just as he did in the aftermath of my first prank. I was very stuck. "I'm uninjured, and I slept fine!" Actually, I slept poorly, but he didn't need to know that.

"Did you eat?"

"I packed some snacks, so yes?" They didn't exactly sit well, mind, but I did eat. I could endure the stomach pains easily.

"You packed...?" Quan groaned, for some reason. "All right, Alicia, you're taking a very nice break, and we're going to see about getting you a good meal with our supplies."

"We should also get some bandages for you, Alicia," Sigurd commented airily, striding off. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't see where we were going, or who was around. At least, I told myself it was the embarrassment. "I don't think that knight is inclined to return yours to you."

"Sigurd, what are you...?" I began, tugging my hair forward to try and hide my face. As I did, I saw my arm and realized what he meant. "Oh." My arm was bare. My Holy Mark was plain to see, the red flower petals strangely bright in the sunlight. It was the first time the sight didn't make me queasy. "...I don't need it."

"Pardon?"

"I think I'd like to try and go without." I couldn't say it was the most comfortable of thoughts, but the discomfort wasn't like before. I was no longer uncomfortable with the Mark; I was just a little scared of breaking a habit I'd had for so long. "We'll see how long it lasts."

"It can be however long or short you want, and you can always try again." Sigurd's smile was soft, and even a little proud. "Your pace, and your choice."

"I do not suppose I can also choose to walk?"

"Knowing you, you'll head straight for the infirmary tent, so no."

"Which means we need a distraction," Quan declared loftily, keeping pace with Sigurd easily. I resigned myself to being carted around like a barrel. "Oh, I know. Sigurd, what was with the losing condition? You couldn't have known Alicia was going to be here to literally send Zyne into the dirt."

"I thought such a condition would lead to minimal injuries?" Sigurd replied, sounding a little sheepish. I frowned at the blood, wondering how this was 'minimal'. "And my expectation was that Alicia would be healing both of us."

"Ah, so you went with something that would be very easy to see. Makes sense."

"Thank you. Not bad for something I thought of on the fly, right?"

"I am aghast you thought I would intentionally prolong your knightly idiocy," I muttered, unable to help it. Both Quan and Sigurd surprisingly laughed. "Also, Sigurd, you're making your injury worse. I'm heavy."

"You're really not," Sigurd replied airily. As if to prove his point, he very easily shifted me to his other arm, as if I weighed no more than a basket. "Baldr blood gives strength, you know. Ah, but I do apologize for bloodying your dress."

"Sigurd, blood washes out very easily if you know what you're doing. I've been covered in worse. However, I cannot say…" I trailed off as I noticed something. "Sigurd, when did he hit your back?"

"Right about the time the knights started yelling. I'd twisted to see what the commotion was, and Zyne couldn't stop in time before doing the same." He shrugged. "It's not bad."

"It's still bleeding." But I could admit he was correct. Honestly, it must've caught his cape more than anything; I could barely see his Holy Mark through the gap in his shirt. "I should-"

"Nope, denied. I will see Ethlyn once I've dropped you off. Though we need to also get Oifey to set you up a tent and…"

"Sigurd, I'll handle the tent, and will send Erinys off to Mackily," Quan dismissed, waving a hand. The noise around us was significantly louder, and it took me a long second to realize it was because we were in camp. It was… still a little difficult to focus on things. "In fact, let me find her now. I'm sure Deirdre is worried."

"Thank you, my friend," Sigurd replied, waving his free hand in farewell. Then he turned sharply away, looking this way and that for something. I had no idea what. He wouldn't say, and I was too resigned to being carried like a doll to look around. At least, I told myself that was why, and that it had nothing to do with how every sight and sound still blurred. "Ah, there you are! Thought we would run into you on the way!" With those 'helpful' words, I was quickly deposited into someone else's arms. I was angry for all of a second before I realized the 'someone' was Chulainn. "You're excused from any and all camp chores today, Chulainn." So, he'd been looking for... in retrospect, this should have been obvious. "And I'd very much appreciate it if you could resume your usual duties of guarding your lady love because apparently, trouble stalks her and waits until you leave to pounce. Or you have luck which rivals Ullr."

"Considering how my luck usually is, I would say the combination is so low it wraps around to high," Chulainn quipped, adjusting his grip to better carry me. But though he appeared as irritably stoic as ever, I could feel how tensely he was holding himself. So, I weakly leaned my head against his shoulder, deciding to not protest. I didn't have the strength for it anyway. "But, if you do not mind the rudeness..."

"Off you go, please keep her away from the infirmary for the day."

"Gladly."

Chulainn walked off without another word, carrying me through the camp without pausing for anyone. Before long, he stepped into a darkened tent and sat down heavily on the bedroll within, shifting me just enough so I was sitting in his lap. He didn't say anything for a long time, just clinging and burying his face in my neck. At first, I wanted to ask what was wrong, but I couldn't get the words out. In his arms, I finally felt safe and so, I curled into him, the last of the tension leaving me as everything caught up at last.

"...Are you hurt?" he rasped at some point. I shook my head. "Good..."

"I had a plan," I mumbled, my voice small. My hands were shaking as I gripped his shirt as tightly as I could. "Though, I did force..." Not only was I shaking, but I was now nauseous. Oh, I could endure it before, could endure the thought before, but now? Now, it felt like a rockslide had thudded into my heart and ground everything to smears. "How do you all deal with this?"

"I'm not sure I'm the one to answer that." He shifted so I was tucked more firmly against him, and he kissed my head. "It's fine. You're not suited for battles. There's nothing wrong with that."

"I should've asked. Wait, no, I couldn't have. It's not like he would've agreed to let me use the Sleep staff during a duel."

"You defended us. It's fine. And it's fine to not be all right about it."

"...I was scared." My voice was so small. But I had to say them. I was... I was so tired of having these thoughts in my head. I had to swallow them back, be the calm one, but not around him. Around him, I... "I was scared it wouldn't work."

"It was a clever plan. Using their own rules against them is brilliant."

"It's only because Sigurd told me about it."

"It's still clever. You probably saved his life with it."

"But I still forced..." Ah, my head was in a tangle. Too much had happened. "Were you in the crowd? I couldn't see. Everything blended together. I thought I was going to faint."

"I was. Ayra and I were working with Dew to see if we could sneak close when you pulled your trick."

"Was Azelle?"

"All of us were, Alicia. Lewyn was cursing himself for not realizing they went around sooner since he'd been listening to the wind."

"How did the ring appear?"

"Quan had us play along, said it would be safer for you while we hunted for a weak point to exploit."

"I was right, then." I laughed breathlessly at that, for some reason. I didn't know why. It wasn't funny. "I… I was scared."

"That's fine."

"I thought I was going to vomit." A worry drifted through the fuzz now filling my head. "Did I look it?"

"No, you appeared as calm and dignified as always. Lachesis was very impressed."

"That's a relief. I figured I needed to act like I knew what I was doing to make them back off."

"You certainly seemed like it when declaring who you were. Did you hear Edain shout when she saw you held the Sleep staff?"

"No, I very much didn't. I was too focused…" I leaned more into him, drained. Seriously, how did the others fight? My not-fighting was enough to make me faint. "Can I just… sit here for a while?"

"Of course."

"You won't mind?"

"I most definitely do not mind holding you." As if to emphasize the words, he adjusted his grip so he could hold me a little more tightly.

"Did I scare you?"

"Terribly."

"I'm..." Ah, I couldn't apologize. I didn't really regret any of it. If I hadn't gone, Deirdre would've. If neither of us had, Mackily would've become a battlefield. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Will... will you sing for me? Please?"

"All right. Just for you."

Chulainn's songs were just as comforting as always, and it wasn't long at all before I began dozing off, everything catching up at last. I thought I saw a few people swing by in that state of half-consciousness, such as Finn and King Jamke, but I was too exhausted to even think of being polite. Before long, I fell into a dreamless sleep, Chulainn's melodies following me into the dark.

I never, ever, wanted to be in a situation like this again. There was nothing worse than being alone among enemies.

---

Ever since I was little, I woke with the dawn. It was a habit I've had for as long as I could remember, and if someone told me I had the habit before then, I'd believe them. So, it was very startling to learn the next day that I had not only slept the entire night, but I'd slept until long past dawn. Worse, I was still in Chulainn's tent. Apparently, I'd sleepily protested whenever someone tried to help Chulainn actually move me to my tent, so he tucked me into his bedroll and slept sitting next to me. Why didn't he, say, use my tent? Even in my sleep, I refused to let go of him, so he was stuck holding my hand through the night.

"I am… so, so sorry, Chulainn…" I mumbled once I finally processed what had happened. This was beyond mortifying. I felt like burrowing under the covers again and, as such, had not yet moved from the bedroll. "You really could've left."

"How could I, when you kept whispering for me to stay?" Chulainn replied, his tone a little playful. Honestly, I think the worst part was this was the most rested I think I'd ever seen him. I did not need that thought in my head right now. "I am always willing to oblige my lady."

"This could not have been comfortable, though."

"It was quite comfortable, especially compared to beds I'd had previously."

"Strangely, that's not reassuring." Yes, I imagined sleeping sitting up in a tent was better than wherever he'd slept while stuck in the arena or while traveling as a mercenary. "I know you prefer being honest, so there's no need to downplay it."

"I'm not. When it became apparent you're even more stubborn asleep than awake, Quan brought extra pillows." He pointed to the small pile set up by the bedroll for emphasis. "I had a cozy nest."

"Is the 'nest' thing Isaachian or Od?"

"That… hmm." He thought about it carefully, more carefully than I expected for something I asked without thinking. "I can't speak for commoners, but in the castle, we had lots of pillows specifically for lounging. Curling up on a mountain of pillows was usually how we took our naps as children. Fiachra refused to nap until I made him a nest and curled up next to him. Then Eigyr would squirm her way in. And if Ayra was visiting, she'd complain until I found enough blankets to smother a herd, and only then she'd crawl in with the rest of us. I usually ended up pinned between the three of them."

"Oh." That… strangely, it was very easy to imagine.

"So, you need not fret. I was very comfortable."

"Were you not cold? There are no extra blankets."

"Agustria isn't cold to me, so I refused the blankets Quan also brought." Deciding the conversation was over, he moved to the other side of the tent, where someone had kindly set my things at some point during my sleep. "Let's see…" He carefully looked through my bag with a slight frown before shaking his head with a slight, rueful smile. "You didn't bring a hairbrush?"

"No, I knew I could make my hair presentable with just my hands." If I'd been wrong, I had some hair ties hiding in the bag so I could pull my hair back and hide any messiness. "Why? Does my hair look messy?" I didn't usually have bedhead thanks to how thick my hair was.

"No, but I want to brush it." He stretched carefully and headed for the… what did you call the 'entrance' of a tent? It wasn't a 'door', yet… wait, didn't I hear others just call it a 'flap'? "Why don't you change while I hunt for one?"

"Chulainn, if my hair is fine…" I trailed off as his smile became a little soft. I was very weak to that smile. "Oh, very well, you win. You can even put some braids in if you'd like. There are hair ties in the bag."

Chulainn's smile was more than a little smug as he disappeared to go find a brush to borrow, but it was also bright so I let it slide. Instead, I pulled out a random dress to change into and found some water to wash my face. While I was patting my face dry, Chulainn returned with a surprisingly fancy brush in hand and pulled me back to the bedroll so he could sit behind me to brush and braid my hair. Though, to my amused exasperation, he insisted on doing something complicated. At least, it was complicated for me, whose only 'hairstyles' were: down, ponytail, simple three-strand braid, and 'partially tied back with a barrette someone else bought me'.

Chulainn, however, first partially pulled my hair back to braid (with four strands). Then he braided all of my hair back, with three strands. Clearly, those with Od blood were incapable of not showing off their divine skill, even those who hid their heritage and said they were a completely different person. Alas, I could never say the words aloud. I could not fault a trauma response, and the man had the gall to hum while he worked. I'd endure just about anything to hear him sing.

"Hey, is it all right to come in?" Chulainn was about halfway done with the full braid when Lex's voice drifted in through the closed flap. Not even a second later, he cautiously nudged it open to peer inside. "Morning," he greeted, sounding cheerful. My attention went to the plate of apple slices he held. "I volunteered to fetch Alicia a snack since it's a little late for a full meal."

"And you managed before the others?" Chulainn asked, a touch dryly, frowning over my hair. He then shook his head and undid the full braid to redo, this time with five strands. "I would've thought you'd at least yield to Azelle."

"Hey, I got little brother rights too." He grinned cheekily and stepped inside to pass me the plate. "More precisely, however, Azelle decided to make some tea for her. So, he'll be here before long. Last I saw, he was arguing with Finn and Dew about what kind to make, but we all know he'll yield quickly."

"We brought a variety?"

"No, so Azelle was going to brew chamomile, but Finn and Dew insisted on adding these flowers they woke up earlier to forage."

"What flowers?"

"Didn't stick around, so I only caught part of it." Still, Lex frowned, doing his best to remember. "Fli… something?"

"Oh, they picked flina blossoms?" I asked, surprised and more than a little touched. While the flowers were native to Agustria, they were not necessarily abundant. "They're a naturally sweet flower which is used to soothe the mind and body, much like chamomile." They only grew in shaded areas, hiding under the roots of trees. Finding enough for a pot of tea would've taken a lot of effort.

"Is that so?" Lex asked, blinking a few times. Chulainn actually chuckled behind me. "Well, I'm sure they're positively thrilled to use their lessons to help you, even if the circumstances are…" He trailed off, scowling as he remembered yesterday. "Were you like this as a child, Alicia?"

"Was I like what?"

"Constantly falling into trouble? If you were, I can see why Prince Kurth took the 'all or nothing' approach to keeping you safe." There was no proper response to that, so I simply nibbled on one of the apple slices instead. "You're the only person I know of who's been hostage four times." I maintained the second two didn't count. I was accessory on the third, and took the place of another on the fourth. "Tailtiu is going to throw a fit when she hears."

"Does she have to?"

"Alicia, given how easy it will be to spin a story from this? I'd give it a week before they hear it in Isaach." Then I might... I should write Prince Kurth and Arvis myself. I used to be able to hide things from Arvis, but gossip clearly made that impossible. "Anyway, what's taking Azelle so long? I thought he'd be here by-"

"Alicia, I've brought tea?" Right on cue, Azelle's hesitant voice was heard outside the tent. With a slight smirk, Lex pushed himself up to open the flap for him, since Chulainn was too busy braiding my hair. "Er… given how you are, I'm assuming you know what flina blossoms are?" Azelle asked, looking a little hesitant. "Finn and Dew kept insisting, and said you told them-"

"They're like chamomile," I answered, smiling. Azelle breathed a sigh of relief. "I have such diligent students. I taught them about flina blossoms and other plants native to Agustria way back in Evans." I waited for both Lex and Azelle to sit down before reaching out for the pot to pour the tea. Azelle immediately moved the tray out of reach to do it himself. "Were they all right?"

"Were who all right?"

"Finn and Dew weren't hurt, were they?"

"No?" Azelle looked at me weirdly, but answered me honestly. "They were dirty, like they'd been crawling through the woods. Finn even had leaves stuck in his hair. So, I took the flowers, asked how they were brewed, and sent them to the baths."

"I see." I was glad to hear they hadn't been bruised. Because of where flina blossoms grew, it wasn't uncommon for gatherers to slip and scrape something, to say nothing of being surprised by the local wildlife. "Do you have enough cups?"

"I brought extra. Oh, and I brought a message too." Azelle handed me my tea, frowning at me severely. "Edain checked your health last night while you slept, so she'll want to examine you again later today." This made some sense, though I truly was fine. "And you're forbidden to go anywhere near the infirmary."

"Pardon?" I nearly dropped my cup. "Why? I'm here, so I should-"

"You're considered a patient."

"I am perfectly fine." Why had she…? "Does she fear I'll interfere with the workflow? I know I have minimal experience with a field infirmary, so I'll follow instructions."

"You. Are. A. Patient." Azelle spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, and I frowned in return. This was ridiculous. What was I supposed to do in camp? I couldn't help with chores, and I doubted any of them needed mending done for the time being. "She'll send someone if there's an emergency, of course. There's no point in Warping anyone to Mackily if you're here."

"Is she mad I made a mess of our system?" I suppose I could understand, but for some reason, Azelle looked exasperated, and Lex looked ready to strangle something. "I-"

"Alicia," Chulainn gently interrupted, tying off my braid at last. He then leaned forward slightly, so he could rest his forehead on my shoulder. "You scared her too." …Oh. "But since she cannot fuss over you as she would like, because of the injured and coming battle, she wants you to rest so she does not worry over you further."

"I… think I understand," I mumbled, feeling a little awkward now. This was like… this was like after Sandima had captured me. Sigurd and Deirdre had been so upset, and Quan had wanted us away from the reminder as soon as possible. Finn had cried from sheer relief at seeing me alive, after his 'failure' to keep me safe. How did I forget? …No, it wasn't that I necessarily forgot. I simply… I still wasn't used to people loving me, worrying over me. Even after telling Arvis, even after acknowledging… it still was not my first instinct to assume. It might never. "Butl, I can't just sit around while everyone is busy. You mentioned a battle, after all."

"Don't you have a book to catch up on?"

"I didn't bring the one Ethlyn recommended. But I suppose I could study?"

"Chulainn, you have a patience which rivals saints," Azelle sighed, no longer looking quite as exasperated. Lex had his head in his hands, though. "Oh, right, before I forget. Alicia, you did write Arvis about Chulainn, right?"

"Yes, I did," I answered, taking another apple slice to nibble. The tea was a little cold, but Azelle snapped a few flames into life and manipulated them to circle the cups slowly to warm it back up. "He asked if Chulainn was going to come with me when I next visited."

"And?"

"That's it."

"Wait, really?" Lex asked, lifting his head to show how surprised he was. His attention flicked to the front of the tent briefly, but he focused back on me too quickly for me to comment. "Nothing else?"

"Of course," I replied, not sure why it was so surprising. "He's awkward, so he avoids the topic."

"You must be the only person in Jugdral who describes Arvis as 'awkward'."

"But he is?" I tilted my head curiously, and both Lex and Azelle shared an incredulous look. "Do you want to hear some stories I've told Azelle, Lex? Though I suppose I could simply share more. I have over a decade's worth."

"Oh, that'll be..." Lex trailed off suddenly, twisting to shift in front of me. "Azelle, can you prep a spell?" Why in Jugdral were they…?

"Relax, Lex, it's Ayra," Chulainn commented, lifting his head. Two seconds later, Ayra lifted the flap, confirming Chulainn's assessment. "Not like you to linger."

"Sorry for that," Ayra sighed, glancing about the tent. She then proceeded to sit next to me, right on Chulainn's bedroll. "The Isaachian sign for 'enemy approach' is similar to Verdane's 'all clear', and it never fails to throw me off." She paused suddenly. "Wait, how the hell did you know it was me? You can't tell me I'm the only person wanting to visit. It's already strange enough you know when people are around…"

"I fear I am very vigilant and am cursed with good hearing." Now that I thought about it, didn't I read once that 'hyper vigilance' was a potential sign of trauma? Where did I…? Oh, right, it had been one of Father Eirik's papers. …I didn't want to write him. Could Prince Kurth secure me some copies? "Old habit. My life depends on knowing when people are near."

"...Damn it, why share details now?" Ayra groaned and, for some reason, took my arm and pulled me towards her. It wasn't until she turned me slightly that I realized she'd wanted to study my braids. Her brief smile hinted she approved. "I can't ask more when you do that."

"You could, but you also are very sensitive about treading on people's injuries." Chulainn smiled very faintly, and Ayra scowled. "To somewhat answer your question, however, the clink of your armor and sword narrowed it down to two, but the stillness immediately ruled out Lachesis. She can't sneak around to save her life."

"Why would it only narrow it down to two?" I asked, curious. Azelle handed me my tea again, and this time I made sure to take a sip before it cooled. "Are there not others?"

"Sigurd and Ethlyn have been in meetings since dawn, barely able to spare the time to check in on you," Chulainn rattled off easily. He stole one of my apple slices, and I could not help but frown at him for it. "Arden's armor is louder, and he's not in camp anyway. Neither are Alec and Naoise."

"They aren't?"

"No, they're guarding our very important prisoners."

"Pardon?"

"Zyne and his knights are in a nearby fortress," Lex helpfully explained, counting cups. Seeing we were one short with Ayra here, he passed her his without a word. "Here. You've been running around on patrols." Ayra looked ready to protest, but surprisingly bit back the words and sipped the tea. "Anyway, that's where they all are. Last I heard, Zyne is still fast asleep." He grinned suddenly. "But we're doing a terrible job helping Alicia relax, aren't we? Shall we start with funny stories? Like how Edain nearly walked into a stack of boxes because she was too busy staring at Midir's back while he was practicing."

"She's been doing that a lot on the training yards," I murmured, sipping my tea. For some reason, this amused the others, even Azelle. I suppose he was finally over his crush. "I wonder if he hurt himself."

"I assure you it has nothing to do with that. But that's a different tale. We're focusing on this one first."

Lex spun the story with ease, showing off why he was Shannan's favorite storyteller, and it wasn't long before the others joined in with their own gossip. Unfortunately, though, the stories had to end. Lachesis poked her head in briefly to inform us that enemies had been sighted and everyone was to move out. So, Lex, Azelle, and Ayra left to complete their battle preparations and rush off. This left me... it was so awkward. I mostly understood why Edain wanted me to rest. However, knowing there was a battle, I could not sit still. I could not simply study. I did not want to be a burden, even… no, especially because everyone here valued me for myself.

So, I thought and eventually figured out a loophole in Edain's orders. She only said I could not go near the infirmary. She said nothing about leaving the camp to forage. Thus, I went hunting for a basket, with Chulainn following me with a fondly exasperated look. I was certain he'd prefer I read, but I also knew he wouldn't stop me. He liked my work ethic, among other things.

"Lady Alicia, where are you going?" Just as we were about to leave the camp, Oifey intercepted us with a frown on his face. "You should be resting," he scolded, scowling up at me. He had bags under his eyes, like he had not slept. "Is something wrong?"

"No, Edain forbade me from going near the infirmary, so I'm heading out to forage," I answered with a smile. Oifey's expression immediately flattened. "That's all."

"I could've sworn she said you needed to relax."

"Foraging is relaxing, though. It's also quite fun." My smile grew, and his expression flattened more. Beside me, Chulainn had ducked his head to hide his smile. "So, I'm not violating orders."

"I thought Lady Edain was supposed to be the expert in finding justifications." This wasn't a justification, though. It was a loophole. "Ugh... fine... I can't argue with that, and I can't exactly run and confirm. You'll sneak off." He frowned very seriously, and I absently realized he'd gotten taller recently. That's right; he would be starting a growth spurt soon, wouldn't he? Though he could be in the middle of one. I'd have to check my books. "Please return within an hour. I'll be timing."

"Thank you."

"And if you're late, I'm coming after you."

"I understand."

The last obstacle overcome, Chulainn and I finally made it to the forest. Just like the one closer to Mackily, it was lovely and, more importantly, filled with many, many plants. Ceron flowers were particularly abundant in the area, and it wasn't long before I wished I had snagged more baskets. Should I steal Chulainn's pockets again?

"And this is why I could not protest," Chulainn murmured suddenly. I made a curious noise and reached under some tree roots for the beautiful flina blossoms hiding underneath. "Your eyes are shining."

"Are they?" I asked, a little more focused on the blossoms. I smiled once I picked them and placed them carefully in my very full basket. I should make Finn and Dew some as tea later, to thank them.

"Yes, as usual." He held out his hand to help me up, and I took it with a smile. "You always look lively while out foraging."

"Well, I wasn't lying when I told Oifey I found it fun and relaxing." Shyly, I slipped my hand from his and turned away. "Oh, before I forget. I finally obtained the last letter." I twisted back to beam at him, and he stared for a moment in surprise before softening with a chuckle. "When did you even hide it in Deirdre's chair?"

"The two of you fuss and chat for a good bit afterwards. It wasn't hard." He shrugged, unbothered, and I couldn't decide if I wanted to laugh or try to pout. "I suppose I should think of the next part then."

"I look forward to it." What was it that Ayra had said? I think it was something about a 'homage to roots'?

"Also, what did you mean by 'obtained'?"

"Silvia found it by accident?" I smiled innocently and he sighed gustily. "So, you should expect teasing from Deirdre."

"She already does so." This didn't surprise me. "To change the subject..."

"Of course."

"You have soil on your arm."

"Hmm? Ah." He was right; I did have dirt streaked down my right arm and sleeve from reaching under the roots. "It was muddier underneath than I thought." Absently, I used my sleeve to rub the worst of it off, and that was when I noticed something. My lower right arm was... it was paler than the rest of my skin. I... hadn't expected that.

"Alicia?" Worse, Chulainn immediately noticed something was off. "What's wrong?" He moved a little closer and wrapped an arm around me to keep me supported. "You're holding your arm... do we need to head back so you can wrap it again?"

"It's... it's not that, exactly." I tugged my sleeve down, feeling terribly awkward. The feeling only grew at his genuine concern. "It is simply..." I had to look away before finding the nerve to actually answer. "It's paler."

"Pardon?"

"The part of my arm I used to wrap is paler. I just noticed." I kept looking away, and I could feel his incredulous stare boring into my face. "That's all."

"I... see." His tone was even, but when I peeked at him, I saw he was struggling to keep the smile off his face. "Well, I'm curious now."

"D-don't be silly." I tried to hide my arm, but he was too quick for me. He gently took my wrist and scrutinized my arm. "Look, I'm sorry I made you worry over something trivial."

"It's you, so it's not trivial. Not to me." Did he have to say such sweet things right now? "Ah, but I see what you mean." With a very slight, boyish smirk, he brushed his mouth right where the divide was. My face immediately heated up with a blush. "You just have to go outside more." My blush darkened because he did not pull away as he spoke, meaning his lips kept. Grazing. My. Arm. The arms weren't supposed to be sensitive! That was the wrist, or elbows, or... "That's all."

"You're getting revenge for yesterday, aren't you?" I tugged my arm back, and he let me go easily. Since I was still embarrassed, though, I immediately whirled and stalked down the path. "Come on, we're wasting the hour."

"I don't think it's a waste." Of course he didn't. "Also, don't go too far ahead."

"I'm still within sight, and we're in the middle of the woods. If I run into an animal, then you can charm it like you do everything else."

"I just show animals respect, and-" And, of course, something rustled nearby. Almost immediately, Chulainn surged forward to take my hand and pull me back. I ducked behind him without a protest, mentally grumbling this would happen. Of course it happened. I practically tempted fate with the previous statement.

But the thing that emerged from the nearby foliage was not an animal, nor an enemy. It was someone I had not seen since Sigurd's wedding.

"Lady Alicia?" Lord Eldigan greeted, visibly surprised. He looked almost as surprised as I felt. It… it had been months since anyone had seen or heard anything about him. Months."What are you doing in the woods?"

"I think that is a question better put to you, Lord Eldigan," I replied, feigning a calm I truly did not feel. How did this happen? How? "The last we heard, Chagall had you locked in the dungeons."

"Ah, well, yes, I was until he gave orders for me to be freed approximately an hour ago." He freed Lord Eldigan? Now? Did he expect Lord Eldigan to attack Sigurd? …Granted, we did accidentally conquer Agustria, but… "I was trying to enter the battle, but could not find a good place. Mostly because I have no idea what's going on. Why are Sigurd and Quan fighting the Lion's Guard?"

"That is… that is a story." This would happen to me. "Chulainn, might you return ahead of us so we can send a messenger to Sigurd and Quan as soon as possible?"

"Oh, this is going to be a grand tale, isn't it?" Lord Eldigan sighed gustily, a touch of anger in his eyes. But it was impossible to know who the anger was directed at. "I promise to keep your charge safe, Chulainn. I truly would like to speak to my dear friends and learn what the hell is going on as soon as possible." Chulainn hesitated a moment, no doubt because of what happened yesterday, but he nodded and briefly kissed my cheek before racing back. "Ah, so you two are courting now?"

"Yes, we are, as of a couple of weeks ago." I studied Lord Eldigan for a moment before gesturing to the path. "Here, I'll show you to our camp. When we're there, will you let me check your health? I promise to give you a summary as I do, but you have been in the dungeons for months and I fear Shannan's experience makes me leery."

"I'll… you know, I think I'll take the examination if only so I can sit down." He could sit no matter what, but I wouldn't tell him so I could give him a checkup. I truly was worried for him. "Just… just reassure me of one thing before we head back." He looked so exhausted suddenly. "Sigurd… is he here because King Azmur ordered it?"

"Pardon?" It took me a second to realize what he was asking. "King Azmur did not order Agustria to be conquered. He merely gave permission when Sigurd begged to come to Nordion's aid. Though, given everything that has happened…" No, this was for later. "Sigurd's conquest is as accidental as Verdane's, and for terribly similar reasons."

"I tried to warn him last time." He sighed heavily, but kindly offered me his arm. "Please, allow me to escort you, Lady Alicia. What trouble did Sigurd leap into this time?"

There was nothing to say to that, since the answer would be far too long. Instead, I took Lord Eldigan's arm and led him back to the camp. It was, thankfully, quiet when we arrived, hinting Chulainn had discreetly handled the matter of the messenger. He met us on the outskirts with an extra staff, and led the way to what I assumed was supposed to be 'my' tent. A table and two chairs had been haphazardly set up within, and so, I had Lord Eldigan sit down for a thorough examination. Chulainn kept watch outside, letting us have all the privacy we needed.

"Well, it seems Agusti's dungeons are in better condition than Genoa's," I noted lightly, making up a pot of chamomile and flina blossom tea. Someone had kindly set up a tea-making station, further hinting this was supposed to be 'my tent'. "You have lost some weight, are a little malnourished, and are dehydrated. But all of that is easily fixed." Lord Eldigan made a noise to let me know he'd heard me, but otherwise, he just sat in the chair and closed his eyes to try and get a little rest. "Here…" I brought the pot and mugs over, and poured him some of the tea before sitting across from him. "Now then, based on what you said, I will assume you have heard absolutely nothing since being imprisoned."

"No, Chagall forbade anyone to come near, probably out of fear they'd break me out," Lord Eldigan confirmed, nursing the tea. He somehow looked even more tired. "So, the last I heard was Chagall's desire to declare war on Grannvale and Verdane."

"He did officially declare it on Verdane and unofficially did the same with Grannvale when he had the Lion's Guard attack our messenger." I sipped my own tea, and gave Lord Eldigan time to groan and cover his face with his hands. "Zyne also challenged Sigurd to a duel. I'm told he's asleep in a nearby fort."

"Recovering from injuries? Zyne's dueled me; he'd have to know it was just as suicidal to duel Sigurd."

"No, I used a Sleep staff."

"When did you acquire one? I once asked Clement and was told they were rare."

"Mine used to be Clement's. It was part of the reparations after he held Deirdre, Ayra, and me hostage." I sipped more of my tea; Lord Eldigan gaped at me. "Why don't I start from the beginning?"

"Yes, because clearly the world has gone completely mad. I have no other explanation for why Clement would do something that suicidal."

"We can speak much later about my speculations. Is the tea all right?"

"It's exactly what I needed." That was good to hear. "You mentioned Sigurd requested permission from King Azmur, so I'm assuming Chagall named me 'Oathbreaker' and attacked Nordion."

"He gave that order, yes." He hadn't even told Lord Eldigan the charges? It was becoming more and more apparent he was naught but a child throwing tantrums. "Only Heirhein actually listened."

"Boldor has hated me since I was a child, and Ellidiot is obsessed with Lachesis."

"'Was'."

"He's dead?" Lord Eldigan actually looked cheered by the thought. "Who killed him?"

"Lachesis."

"Ah." At that, he became a little more disgruntled. "While fitting, I do wish my little sister didn't have to touch such filth." Oh, it was terrible how that made me laugh. "How is Nordion? Grahnye? Ares?"

"Nordion is recovering, and Grahnye…" What to say? "She does not require surgery for her heart, but she did strain herself." Lord Eldigan immediately winced. "Ares is fine, though…" Ah, this was about to be awkward. Yet if I was to continue the summary, I had to tell. "I wish to emphasize that he is completely fine."

"Was he injured during the attack?"

"No, Boldor ordered him assassinated. 'A son for a son.'" I stood to pour him a little more tea and try to give him time to recover. It didn't work; he'd frozen into a statue. "I will also admit he was shot. But he is fine. I healed him myself. The only long-term complication will be a scar which will fade with time."

"I… I see…" His voice shook, and his hands shook more as he tried to take the tea. He wisely chose against it and, instead, clenched his fist next to it. "Knowing Sigurd and Quan, there was no calming them."

"Actually, Grahnye managed to convince them to wait until Boldor confirmed he was behind the attack."

"Miracle of miracles. I knew she was a blessing." He sighed heavily. "But he did, in fact, confirm it."

"He was proud of it as well, and attacked the messengers Grahnye sent. This was after reminding him Nordion was being reinforced by both Grannvale and Verdane."

"Did they kill Boldor?"

"I'm told Boldor killed himself once it became clear he would lose."

"Of course. Death before dishonor." I could not decide if he sounded annoyed or resigned. Maybe it was both. "So, Heirhein fell. And, let me take a guess, Anphony experienced a sudden increase of bandit attacks during all of this."

"They did."

"And Sigurd went to help. Because that's what he does." His hands finally still, he gulped the tea. I filled his mug again, even as I worried he'd scalded his tongue. "Macbeth is dead, isn't he?"

"From my understanding, he tried to run and was killed by an angry mob." I nursed more of my own tea, deciding to take my time. I should've brewed more than one pot. "As for Clement, I will only tell you what happened. His original plan was far worse, but he took Deirdre hostage, along with Ayra and me. Deirdre and Chulainn then turned the people against Clement, ruined him, and Lykos executed him in the public square."

"I… I don't even know how to respond to that." Now he was back to being exhausted. "The summary alone is a damned mess, meaning the details are even worse."

"I'm sorry, Lord Eldigan."

"You know; you saved my son's life and you're close to my dearest friends. You can drop the title."

"Then I ask for it to be reciprocated." I nodded to the mug. "Drink some more tea. You shouldn't make plans while your nerves are rattled."

Silence fell then, since there was nothing more I could say and Lord Eldigan was too overwhelmed to try and parse out any questions. Instead, we both sipped our tea and did our best to relax. It didn't work, of course. Lord Eldigan had too much on his mind, and I was all too aware of how complicated this entire mess was. It was almost a relief when there was a commotion outside, because then, it gave us something to focus on besides our own thoughts. It helped it was a 'good' commotion; Sigurd and Quan had arrived and Chulainn let them in without even bothering to 'knock'.

"Eldigan!" Sigurd called, with a smile brighter than I'd seen in a while. He certainly didn't look like someone who'd just been in battle, though the dirt smeared on his face and the sweat trickling down his neck hinted to the exertion. "I almost didn't believe Oifey when he said you were in the camp!" I noticed, however, Quan was more subdued, though I did not think him less joyful. The expression on his face was more of someone who knew they had to deliver terrible news. "I'm so glad you're safe and… um…" However, his cheer soon faded as Eldigan regarded both of them wearily. "You're… probably really confused and angry, and I completely understand because none of this makes sense, but I swear… um…"

"Alicia kindly summarized the madness," Eldigan sighed, pushing himself up. I made to stand so I could leave them be, but Eldigan shook his head. This conversation wasn't necessarily private. "But it is a relief to see you're as recklessly kind as ever. It soothes some of the bite." He closed his eyes briefly and then looked to Quan. "How bad?" Ah, that was why. Quan had known Eldigan would ask him, no doubt because he'd wouldn't try to talk around it.

"...Chagall attacked Sigurd directly," Quan murmured, proving Eldigan correct. Still, dread hit me like a waterfall. If he attacked Sigurd directly, then… "And he proclaimed very loudly how disappointed he was that he didn't hit Sigurd with the ballista bolt." Then we were in the worst-case scenario.

"Agustria is going to become a tributary state. There's no way to avoid it." We didn't have the wiggle room to twist the story. "This is…"

"We might be able to argue temporary madness due to grief. There were rumors King Imuka was killed by a Grannvale assassin, so we can leverage that into a story." Quan's words were quick and firm. He'd been thinking about this for a while, clearly. "I think we can at least argue this into a probationary period, though Agustria will lose sovereignty during it."

"Dare I ask why you already had the story prepared?"

"You know me; I like preparing for the worst-case scenario. And I can't take full credit for it. Deirdre came up with using the assassin rumors."

"Why was she coming up with the story?"

"She needed something to occupy her since her pregnancy is making it harder for her to go about her daily routine."

"..." Eldigan stared for a long moment. "There are a lot of questions to ask, and unfortunately, my mind is tripping over one in particular. Did you just say 'pregnancy'?"

"Yep, Deirdre is pregnant. We're getting an adorable nephew or niece, Eldigan." Quan grinned, bright and proud. Sigurd coughed, a little embarrassed. "And Ares and Altena get a playmate."

"Ah." Eldigan stared for a moment longer before… "Ha…" He finally relaxed and started laughing, with a bright and even ecstatic smile. I was reminded of what Lachesis once said; Eldigan could never be mad at Sigurd for long. "There's going to be another Sigurd running about."

"Hopefully the baby takes after Deirdre."

"Blessed gods, please let that be the case. One Sigurd is enough."

"I'm right here, you know," Sigurd deadpanned, embarrassment fading for an attempt at severity. His immediate smile broke the act in seconds. "Also, as a reminder, I can't lie to save my life, so you'll need to work out what exactly I need to say. I will unfortunately be involved in the diplomatic antics, and I can't keep silent the entire time. They know I'm the weakest link in any lie."

The three of them left the tent then, debating ideas and tactics in between playful barbs and teasing antics. I debated following them, and decided to at least push myself up to step outside. Chulainn was still there, keeping watch as always, and I decided to lean against him as I let myself relax again. Finally, this mess was over. Now we just had to pick up the pieces and somehow stitch them back together. But that was fine. I had a feeling that so long as those three were together, they could accomplish anything.

So now, it was time for a bit of rest. There would be a lot of work in the days ahead.

---

Ayra

Class: Myrmidon

Skills: Pursuit, Astra, Nihil

Holy Blood: Od Minor

Age upon joining the army: 19

The princess of Isaach, and youngest of King Mananan's three children, she was well known in Isaach for eschewing the more traditional roles of a noblewoman and, instead, devoted herself to her swordsmanship and other knightly endeavors. With that said, she still took her duties as a princess seriously, and studied hard so she could help her older brother with whatever he needed.

Her Mark is on the underside of her right forearm, a panther's claw stretching from the heel of her palm to her elbow. As with all those with Holy Blood, she has a blessing to her stamina and health, while the blessings of Tiamat of Beasts gives her a divine skill few can ever hope to match, even in the most mundane of tasks. When combined with the powerful Astra ability she wields as part of the Isaachian Royal Family, she is considered one of the deadliest members of the army, though her lack of armor means she will suffer critical injuries more easily.

She has suffered a great number of losses over her life, from her best friend to her sister-by-marriage, to her sister by blood. Because of this, she takes the safety of those around her very seriously, and she can even hyperfocus on it if she cares deeply for the person. Her top priority remains Shannan, her nephew and hope, but her secondary focuses are Sigurd and Alicia, who she believes she owes the most. To her consternation, Lex has somehow ended up third on her list, and she is in no hurry to figure out why.

---

Author's note: And with that, Game-chapter 3 is done. In the game, Zyne is a one-note mini-boss whose portrait is shared by many other NPCs in the game. The Oosawa Manga fleshed him out considerably, so I took nods from that (though the quote about 'nothing more noble than dying for the motherland' is from the game). Also in-game, Eldigan is… much angrier at Sigurd than what I portrayed here, but Alicia giving him a summary helped cool his temper somewhat.

Yes, I know what the game implies/states is Lachesis's reason for using Eldie as her standard for men. I went with an alternative explanation. And speaking of explanations, the idea that Crusader Houses are 'discouraged' from intermarrying was more of an explanation for why no one in the 1st gen has more than two Holy Bloods (with two very noticeable exceptions). And a hint to things to come.

In-game, you can in fact travel through the mountains. Most don't because movement is slow as hell (and FE4 has a thing where certain areas of the map are completely blocked off until you advance to a certain point. This is very important come Game-Chapter 4.). However, it IS the path Erinys uses to attack Evans directly, since fliers don't give a damn about movement penalties.

Also, different fan translations can't decide if the 'Weiss Ritter' and 'Royal Guard' are the same group or different, so I just opted to have them different for convenience.