Interlude ~Base Convos Part 6~

The group's next destination was Kathelet. Then heading down south, they will reach Caelin. Until then, the group makes their encampment.

"Erk! Matthew! When the next battle arises, you must protect me!" Serra called out. "How should I even protect you? I am a thief." Matthew replied.

"Can I terminate my contract and leave things with you...?" Erk complained.

The one who suffers the most is Erk and Matthew, due to a certain pink haired individual. They found themselves looking at one another with pity and empathy at times. Having both men to watch and protect her despite the fact Matthew is thief, not a fighter.

"Not to worry, sweetest Serra! I will protect thee." Sain called out.

Yes, please. By all means, take her off our hands. Their expressions were written all over their faces to have Sain accompany her.

"That is to be expected, but you should focus on Lyn as a knight Caelin, isn't that right? Me and Matthew are both come from Ostia while Erk was contracted to escort me there." Matthew immediately opened his eyes at her words and facepalmed. Luckily, he wasn't ratted out as a spy under the employ of Uther. If only she would stay quiet.

"I understand, but do not worry for I, Sain, shall protect you whenever I can." Sain spoke fervently. Serra obliged in response.

Unbeknownst to them, Ike and Kent overheard their conversation. Ostia, another house in the Lycian alliance. To pay for the escort of Serra would imply someone of power to want her back safely. And Matthew seemed to panick upon mention he was from Ostia, as if to avoid revealing his true identity. They'll have to inquire upon that later.

"Hello, Ike." Erk called out as Ike was going to his tent. "I'm sorry to disturb you at this time."

"Oh. No problem Erk." Ike assured to him. "Is something the matter?"

"Actually, that was my question. I'm wondering if I may have offended you in any way." Erk explained.

Oh. Ike has been avoiding conversing with Erk unlike the others. No, it wasn't right Ike thought. He didn't deserve to be avoided like this. Erk doesn't deserve that treatment.

"I'm sorry. You somewhat remind me of my friend. Back in Tellius." Ike explained.

Erk paused for a moment, before answering, "I see... you do come from a different continent. Tell me about your friend."

"Soren is pretty taciturn, serious, and a no-nonsense kind of person. But he's probably the most practical in the Greil Mercenaries. He's been very involved with the logistics and book keeping for the Greil Mercenaries. He's pretty adept at anima magic." Ike explained with a sense of nostalgia. "And he's one my closest friends, so I'm sorry if I avoided you. It's not your fault."

Erk shook his head. "I don't mind, Ike. If only I could meet him. But tell me, how does your land's spells differ from ours?"

Now that was the real hard question. Erk was using a fire tome. So...

"Point of reference, can you tell me about your land's classification of spells?" Ike replied.

Erk nodded happily, "Of course. Anima magic, which is what I use, controls nature, Dark magic relies on inviting forces of darkness or it could come from knowledge, light magic relies mainly on faith, using the invocation of St Elimine's teachings. But they all restrain one another. Light over dark, anima over light, dark over anima."

Dark magic is not what Ike is aware of. But anima magic is certainly different here than it is in Tellius. Even light magic seems to be a matter of different religion. And they follow a weapon triangle like swords, axes and lances.

"That makes things a bit better to compare." Ike put his hand to his chin in thought, "I'm not familiar about dark magic, but anima magic where I come from is more about the affinity. Soren has the best affinity in wind tomes, moreso than thunder and fire spells. Light spells seem to come from the faith of the Goddess Ashera in our continent. But I am not a follower for the most part. I'm sorry. I'm not knowledgeable on these matter." Ike apologized as he scratched his head.

"Not to worry. It's interesting to see how different their magic differs from our own." Erk replied. He smiled back at Ike, "I'm glad we were able to clear up any misunderstandings between us."

"No issues there, I'm really sorry for avoiding you for awhile." Ike replied, with a sorry tone.

"If you'll excuse me, I will take my leave, until then, good night, Ike." And Erk spoke his farewells and went back to his own tent.

Ike looked back at Erk leaving, and looked up to the sky. He only hoped Soren is faring well without him. Along with the rest of the company. No, they can persist. He knows they can.

"Rath." Ike called out to him, who tending to his bow and his horse by his side. Rath turned towards Ike.

"How may I help you Ike?" Rath replied.

"What exactly made you go with us on this journey?" Ike asked. "Why Lyn of all people?"

That made Rath silent. His expression unchanging but Ike could notice he was pondering.

"I could recognize the blade she carries. One of our land's pride and joy..." He explained.

The Mani Katti. Of course. But that doesn't explain why, especially if he cannot wield it.

"...Before I left my tribe in the Kutolah fourteen years ago, I prayed there like every other Sacaen beginning their journey. I was only less than four at the time. All alone." Ike's eyes widened at that fact. How did he survive all alone till young adulthood?

Rath, closing his eyes, continued on: "...My journey began with our tribe's diviner sensing an omen, my existence to help stop the burning he said. Perhaps Lyn of the Lorca tribe, worthy to wield the Mani Katti was a sign... A chance."

If the blade chose Lyn, that would mean Lyn needs the sacred blade of Sacae to assist her. That led Rath to rationalize Lyn maybe one to point him in preventing disaster. But what was the burning that the diviner mentioned?

"Does that answer your question?" Rath asked. Ike nodded. "It does, I hope you'll be able to fulfill your mission."

Rath stared Ike for a good moment before responding, "You... believe me, Ike?"

Rath looked doubtful despite not changing his expression. He was wondering why a boy, from a foreign continent at that, like Ike believed him despite having just known him for a short while.

"It's because I believe in Lyn, and her culture that Sacaens would not lie and keep their word. You've done nothing to warrant suspicion, and that's why I believe in you, Rath." Looking straight into his eyes as Ike spoke.

Silence filled the vicinity save for the horse's neighing. Rath closed his eyes, and nodded.

"... Thank you Ike, may Father Sky and Mother Earth give blessings upon you." He replied. "I appreciate it, Rath."

Unbeknownst to the pair conversing, Lyn overheard Ike's belief and trust in her. Her eyes glistening in as Ike spoke fondly as a companion.

Lyn closed her eyes and spoke quietly: "Thank you, Father Sky and Mother Earth. For bringing me to him..."