Interlude ~Base Convos Part 17~
"Come on, Fargus. It's not even a religious holiday. Can't you make an exception and keep her in the ship? I'll even leave some of our men here with you." Ike pleaded. To which Fargus shook his head.
The Lycian lords were on the deck discussing with Fargus on the deck while Ninian was taken to her own personal quarters. After looting away some of the gear that the Fang had and giving them to Anna and Jake, who decided to give a percentage to Ike as well as to Fargus. But now they were engaged in what to do with Ninian.
"While I love to protect a beautiful damsel, those scum were after her. My men are afraid she might be cursed..." Fargus explained. "Unlike Dart, she was on that small boat alone and chased after. We have a bit of superstition of a beautiful religious-looking woman coming up from nowhere. It spells omen."
So they noticed she might be some shrine maiden based on her attire. Taking her from who-knows-where spelled trouble. Even though they already had Dart with amnesia, but he's surrounded by friends and family. Regardless, with Ninian, it would be risky move to bring her closer to the enemies who pursued her from Dread Isles.
"She'll be likely attacked again if the Black Fang are involved." Eliwood added. "It's too dangerous to bring her with us."
"If they came from Valor, it would be like bringing her as an offering. I don't want to risk her safety anymore." Ike spoke with concern.
He already failed a year ago to ensure their safety. And now what's happened? Ninian with amnesia and her brother nowhere to be found. Ike felt responsible for not being diligent enough to make sure they wouldn't be pursued.
"Come on, Fargus. We can't take her back to the Lion's den. The Dread Isles is dreaded for a reason!" Hector pointed out. He then decided to breath out the next moment while putting his hand on his temple. "Haaaa... then again, I don't want to leave her with our newest prisoner..."
Legault, the Hurricane. Supposedly a spy for the Black Fang who also doubled as an assassin. A man shrouded in mystery as he killed his own comrades in cold blood. Enacting the Fang's judgment, but it could be a ploy to lower their guard, a risky one at that.
"I agree..." Lyn nodded. "If she was on a boat, it was likely she was pursued by the Black Fang after escaping. Maybe we can find her brother, Nils, on Valor."
Just as they wanted to argue further, they heard light footsteps from behind. It was Ninian.
"Please…take me with you." She pleaded. "I... want to find my brother..."
"Ninian..." Eliwood voiced out.
"Are you sure?" Ike asked to which Ninian nodded.
They would have to protect her and escort her to find her brother. If only she didn't have amnesia on top of that. Fargus then smiled and scratched his head.
"Well, if that's settled, at least you'll have Jake assisting with Anna. And my half-wit sailor who wants to go sight-seeing. He'll be happy with his little sister in the group and the boy who gave us scuttlebutt for days!" He remarked.
Jake would act as Anna's fellow merchant as an armory. They knew Dart would accompany them. And they still remember Wil's attempt at stripping someone who wasn't yet three sheets to the wind.
Ike remained silent before accepting the conditions. He had to make it up to the siblings, and he would work twice as hard to protect Ninian and Nils.
"This is very good..." Ike voiced out.
Ike was enjoying his morsels prepared by Merlinus and Lowen earlier than expected. They decided to take over cooking duty after volunteering. And then Ike asked to watch over them cooking and make a special request. The pair looked amazed at the young commander who was eating at an impressive rate. Unbeknownst to them, he actually ate at a slower rate than usual to savor the meal.
"If the stomach is empty, empty, too, lies the heart." Lowen reciting his usual parable. "Words to take to heart, Ike. I am pleased that you enjoy our cooked meal."
It was like eating one of Oscar's suppers. Ike already enjoyed the meal over the usual salted meat and biscuits they've partaken during the voyage or any of their long trek across Lycia and Bern.
"Indeed, I was surprised to see a talent young knight like yourself take the lead in cooking like you did during our journey." Merlinus added. "Your cooking skills amaze me."
"Likewise, Merlinus." Lowen responded. "My father was the cook for the previous marquess of Pherae, Lord Eliwood's grandfather. Lord Elbert also acquired a taste for his cooking. So whenever I had the pleasure of joining him on his tours of the domain, I always took it upon myself to prepare his every meal! Lord Eliwood has not been able to eat properly as of lately, so I took it upon myself to prepare his every meal, and he's been eating more frequently ever since."
So Eliwood has been eating less... Most likely due to the disappearance of his father. Ike took note of this. Eliwood was be blessed to have such loyal and considerate knights at his side.
"I see... allow me to share some of my recipes with you and yours to me. I could also assist further in your endeavors, young Lowen." Merlinus proposed. To which Lowen smiled and nodded, not knowing it was a scheme to curry favor by preparing the Lycian lord's favorite dishes.
"I'm glad I ate this. This is one of the best food I've had since coming to Elibe." Ike remarked. "It reminds me of Oscar's cooking. He's a mercenary back at my father's company in Tellius. He's a fellow cavalry like you, Lowen. And you kind of remind me of him in some way."
Their eyes raised (if Lowen's eyes could be seen) at the fact. They did know Ike was a foreigner from another continent.
Oscar was indeed an excellent cook beyond his skills as a lance knight. Everyone loved his cooking in the company. And the way no one could see Lowen's eyes as it was hidden by his unkempt hair reminded Ike of Oscar (as he always squinted making him look like his eyes were always closed) in a different way.
"I'm glad to hear that, Ike. I hope to cook again for you and the rest of our Lycian company." Lowen replied.
"And you won't be alone, young Lowen." Merlinus added while patting his shoulder. "Now, let's bring everyone else their dinner."
Lowen smiled in response to Merlinus's words of support. In any event, they would attempt to do it again. It sure beat preserved food that was often tasteless.
"I'll take the plate to our prisoner." Ike spoke while taking a prepared bowl of stewed meat and biscuit onto tray with only a spoon. Lowen and Merlinus looked at one another, then at the stew, and nodded to Ike.
"My... this is quite good." Legault commented while in his cell.
He shackled to the wrists and ankles to prevent escape. Ike sat in a chair watching him eat with gusto. Legault genuinely enjoy the meal by Lowen and Merlinus.
"I want to ask, why did you help us back in Caelin? Moreover, you execute traitors?" Ike asked to which Legault's gaze went to him.
Legault wiped away his mouth with a cloth to speak. He smiled at Ike's inquiry.
"Yup. Tasked with executing those who betray the Fang. You can never run from the cleaner. That's Fang law. I work to protect that law. And I'm doing a job for Brendan and his sons." Legault replied to which Ike raised a brow. "They liked your little work over the past year and kept tabs on you. I'm their informant, and they are aware that Sonia is treading on rather thin ice."
Ike was surprised that the leader and his sons were aware of Ike and his band of mercenaries. It saved him some of the trouble of getting acquainted with them. That, or Legault was lying in order to drop Ike's guard.
"I still can't trust you entirely." Ike responded. "You could still give away our info to the enemy."
Legault's grin turned wider, and responded to Ike's caution by opening his mouth: "My oh my... still suspicious of me. Then again, best to keep your guard up during these times."
His face then turned neutral looking at Ike's cerulean eyes.
"Sonia's arrival began to change everything in the Fang, with things becoming more extreme over the past year upon marrying Brendan. A follower of Nergal, that creepy one. 'Sacrifice the wounded to salvage the strong', a rule she started having us enforcing and I'm just tired of it..." Legault spoke with a neutral tone. But there was a hint of dissatisfaction in his gaze. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it's better late than never. Otherwise, I would have really cut my ties."
"If you and the others hate it so much, why doesn't Brendan do anything?" Ike asked to which Legault shook his head.
"Right now, the power balance has completely shifted. We've taken too many members from who knows where and often introduced by Sonia. Even our top elite, the Four Fangs, are in cahoots with Sonia and Nergal. Jaffar, the Angel of Death, and Ursula, the Blue Crow. The only people Brendan can count on are his sons who are also of the four fangs, Jan, Uhai, and me. While most of us can hold our own, it's too risky."
In other words, their hands were tied. If the leader raised an objection to his wife, he could be usurped of his position as leader of the Fang. There were too many hidden enemies, thus making it risky to fight back for control. They might be outnumbered if they defied Sonia then.
"What brought this on...?" Ike prodded. "Why do you trust us?"
He didn't doubt Brendan or his sons trustworthy character for the most part. Despite being assassins, they held a good reputation amongst the townsfolk in Bern.
"Asking all these questions..." Legault mused. "Well, when you destroyed the Taliver Bandits, that's when Lloyd, one of the Commander's sons, took notice. And then when you gave that money to that couple in Pherae, that's when Linus, the other son, also liked your deeds. You were on a low-profile on the Fang's list of targets, courtesy of Brendan and his sons. It didn't help that Ursula attempted to paint you and your group as nefarious villains who exploited the weak and helpless a year ago. But the situation has changed since you disrupted their plans to cause chaos in Lycia. I already informed Brendan's informants of the recent developments by that cur, Ephidel. Unfortunately, you and your group are now at the top of list of targets alongside the Lycian lords."
That, and the way Nino was being treated didn't help Sonia's case. Whatever was happening in Dread Isles at the Dragon's Gate may be linked to some secrets that, according to Brendan's informants... maybe linked to Nino's original family. He was privy to some findings to the investigation on Nino and Sonia. But he wasn't going to reveal that just yet.
And then there was that Canas fellow... son of Niime, the Hermit, along with three brothers. His wife may be linked Nino's potential real family. Through their investigation, signs pointed to Canas being an in-law. But Brendan's investigators were still in Lycia, looking for a former servant who held the most answers. They couldn't yet give inquiries to Canas's wife in Ilia. Something for Legault to ask about later...
Legault smiled to himself and continued: "You actually met Lloyd and Linus in Bern when they offered you a member card." Ike's eyes flickered upon mention of the pair. "You know, the handsome one was Lloyd, the White Wolf, and the reckless looking one, Linus, the Mad Dog. They both have cuff on their left ears."
Ike's mind flashed back to the pair who met him in one of the towns they helped protect. They pointed to a location to where an Anna merchant was and even offered a member card. But he declined, saying he had his own but still obliged in arriving to obtain some wares.
"I see... I hope to meet them again." Ike voiced out. "I'm sorry, but you may need to remain in the Davros until we finish our mission."
Legault had plenty of chances to attack or mislead his group, and his information was definitely helpful. But he was still a Black Fang that could strike back the next second.
Just as Ike was ready to leave with Legault's finished plate, in the next moment, he heard Legault speak.
"Wait." Ike turned to Legault and halted. "When you arrive on Valor, you'll meet a Sacaen, Uhai. One of the people I've mentioned earlier whom Brendan trusts and is one of the original members of the Fang. You may engage with him and his men. But please, if you can, just leave him alive and deal with the rest. He has too many eyes on him to defy Sonia or Ephidel's orders. Most of all, he's an honorable fellow as a proud Sacaen."
Ike remained silent for a moment before nodding.
"We'll do our best to keep him alive." Ike answered.
After Ike took off with the platter and left the room, Legault snorted. Taking out a small piece of thin bone from his mouth, he looked at it with a smile.
"They should have not had some bones in the stew. Small bones at that. Oh well, once I get out, I'll do my best to try and convince them I'm still on their side, even though they won't appreciate my escape. I just hope Uhai will be OK..." Legault mused to himself. "Haaa... commander, I hope we could finally be on the right track to be like the old Fang. Maybe we could rely on them to help us."
All the while Rath and Matthew stood at the end of the hall outside the cell room, listening closely to Legault speaking. Hearing every word between Ike and Legault and thereafter. They nodded to Ike, who was still present in the opposite end of the hallway. Albeit, Matthew reluctantly doing so. He still didn't trust Legault.
That bone-in meat in the stew was one Ike specified from Merlinus and Lowen. The way that glanced at each other from earlier was an indication that it held a thin bone that Ike specified. They were exceptional chefs, they would have ensured no bones were in the stew, yet Ike allowed it.
They needed to test Legault's actions and words thereafter.
After Ike left to put away Legault's finished dishes, he went to the study where Erk was studying alongside Canas with great vigor. They worked tirelessly to arrange notes and translations of their tomes. Nevertheless, their smile never left their faces as they discussed and pointed to which verse or lines from each tome held meaning.
"Erk." Ike called out. Interrupting Erk from his studies with Canas. He approached Ike with a smile on his face outside of the study.
"I suppose you inquired from Anna?" Erk asked to which Ike nodded.
"I did ask Anna for water anima magic tomes, and she said it will take her some time. But they would be priced the same as Canas's elder magic tomes. Apparently, water tomes are associated with our creation goddess and the flood back in Tellius. So they're harder to have access to, let alone be able to study. She'll be able to request for it, once she gets in contact with her sisters on the island and get back to Badon." Ike explained.
Ike briefly mentioned to those who inquired about the religion back in Tellius. Telling them the people worshipped Ashera and that there was a huge flood long ago that wiped much of the land aside from Tellius. Apparently, now that is a fictional legend since Ike was currently in Elibe. It was a far-fetched tale to those who heard it, considering there should be more contact between two continents outside of just Anna. Whatever Anna was hiding, he couldn't protest against it.
Erk nodded and understood. He could wait patiently for access to such rare magical wares. What puzzled Ike is that her sisters were present in Dread Isles. Why she needed to meet them on the island, he would never understand. Moreover, how would that allow her to obtain what she needed back on Badon when her sisters were all in Valor? Did they travel with the Black Fang as vendors? Then again, the brothers did have access to member cards...
Ike quickly snapped out of his thoughts to be reminded of something else. He brought out a ring, a guiding ring to be exact. One that would help impart knowledge and expand the repertoire of a magic user.
"This may be useful to you." Ike spoke while holding it out to Erk. The boy in question glanced at it and shook his head.
"I am far too behind on my studies and mastery that I feel it is more wise to await awhile longer. However..." Erk trailed off after refusing. "Please, give it to Lady Priscilla. I believe she wishes to fight alongside her brother. It will do her well to attain a new pathway. Also..."
Erk went to one of his bags of his belongings in the study. He brought out a fire tome that belonged in Elibe. Somehow, it didn't end up in Merlinus's convoy.
"I had a spare fire tome before I came along with her on her journey. I gave her some notes on Tellius's Old Tongue but she's far from progressing on your homeland's tomes. She holds better skill at deciphering our land's tomes, however. I wish to be adept at all the elements nature magic has to offer, so please, give it to my employer who needs it more." Erk offered to Ike, who smiled and obliged.
Ike took the fire tome and withdrew the ring.
"You look out for others that would surprise most employers. I'm glad to have you on board, Erk." Ike spoke with gratitude.
"Please, I'm just glad that Lady Priscilla is far more considerate of an employer than you-know-who." To which Ike chuckled to himself.
Somewhere in the boat, a pink pigtailed cleric sneezed, wondering if someone was talking something good about her.
"To tell you the truth, Ike." Erk voiced out before Ike went off. "Lady Priscilla actually used her own funds to hire me. While Lord Pent assigned me to be her escort, she intended to have her adoptive parents not know in advance of coming to you and the group. But Lord Pent already spoke to Count Caerleon that Lord Raymond was with you, so they were rest assured that Lady Priscilla knew where to find her brother as well as a lead to the truth of her house. She deserved know that much."
Ike blinked at Erk's explanation of events.
"So, Caerleon family already knew and accepted her going on this journey?" Ike inquired to which Erk nodded.
"They love her dearly to go on this trip without her knowing that she already received her blessings from them. That is why..." Erk rummaged through his bag to give a gold orb (20,000 gold, originally in Sacred Stones) to Ike.
"This is..." Ike voiced out while holding it in his hands.
He already received a white gem from Erk, but now a gold gem?
Erk nodded and responded. "Consider it an unofficial contract and payment in advance for you to protect her and her brother until the both of them can come to House Caerleon. And that the siblings find out the truth of their house. The latter of which you've done splendidly. I was to give it to you once you've helped them accomplish one of the tasks. You've earned it."
Ike remained silent before nodding. It wasn't likely for Erk to accept Ike's refusal of the gem. So he'll do his best to make sure they go to Etruria once everything was over.
"Thanks Erk, I'll be sure to ask Raven if he's willing to meet them. They'll get their money's worth." Ike responded.
"Fine, I'll meet and visit Priscilla's adoptive family..." Ike and Erk turned their head to Raven, who approached them from the darkness of the hallway. "I do owe them for taking good care of my little sister."
Raven held a small smile, which was a rare sight. Then it turned upside down as he breathed in.
"Next time, let us know in advance. She told me she ran away from home without permission. I saw her look guilty thinking that she did wrong to House Caerleon." Raven complained with a hand to his temple.
That's the Raven they knew. They soon found themselves laughing amongst themselves. No matter the blood ties, they were all family who laughed together.
Ike went out onto the deck with a cloth bag in hand, where the sun already set. He spotted Priscilla, looking out into the distance, or rather, the stars. She already glanced at Ike who entered the deck and went back looking at the sky.
"Although I'm a believer of St. Elimine, Guy told me about Father Sky, how he watches over us witnessing our tears, and how our tears blesses our loved ones from beyond." Priscilla voiced out. She smiled and continued on: "Only now that I realize how true the both of you were, and much more."
It seems as though Guy recited the story he told to Lyn.
She turned with the brightest smile to Ike: "Thank you, for blessing our lives by reuniting us together. And reminding my brother of the kind one he always was. Even after the truth behind our house."
Ike shook his head while retaining his smile. He didn't need to be thanked for a coincidence.
"It was only a coincidence we ended up finding you. I'm sure you would have reunited with one another in some way." Ike explained. "Eliwood and Hector would have reached you and got you out of Laus eventually. Then we might have met you back in Caelin."
"Still... that moment I reunited with my brother was like a dream, it was like when I was so young. When he took my hand whenever I was often ill, or when he would gingerly walk with me when I held his sleeve." She gently smiled as she retold her past. "That story you mentioned of your little sister when she was sick, I'm sure she appreciates your effort as much as I do."
She held her hand to her heart and continued: "Watching him fight for my sake that moment, as shameful as it is for me to admit it, can be considered one of the most happiest moments of my life. Just like it is now. Even after we both found the truth...I f-finally found him, the same as ever, my beloved, kind brother... I-I was so afraid for him..."
Her tears began to fall as her voice cracked, yet her smile never left. Ike stood silent watching her joyful, yet tear-filled face.
"But... I know the dream must end one day... I have my responsibility as the adopted daughter of House Caerleon. They treated me well, and I repaid their kindness with my selfishness. To tell you the truth, I-" Just as Priscilla was ready to explain, Ike raised his hand to stop her.
"I already know, but so do they." Her eyes widened at Ike's response. "They knew you wanted to find your brother. And for the both of you to search for the answers behind House Cornwell. They want you to come home once everything is over, alongside your brother. Besides, I already got paid by Erk just a moment ago who forwarded their contract to me."
Priscilla found her mouth gaping in surprise. Then redness appeared on her face out of embarrassment.
"I-I see. Well... it seems as though I was worried for nothing..." To which Ike laughed and soon Priscilla found herself giggling.
After a good moment of laughter, she shook to herself in exasperation.
"Still, I thank you. For everything, Commander Ike. Moreover..." Upon saying those words, she rummaged through her pocket and brought out a accessory. "I cannot lose to Lucius when it comes to a memento."
Ike held a bronze ring that was attached to a black leather necklace cord.
"I've had Anna attach it for me, so you could wear it. She even added a talisman effect to the ring that could partially ward off magic." Ike widened his eyes at her explanation.
"Shouldn't you give it to your brother in that case?" To which she smiled and shook her head.
"I'm not sure he'd be appreciative of me giving back a ring he gave me after he promised he would take me as his bride when I was still in House Cornwell..." Ike raised a brow in response. "I know... it was child's game, but I look back fondly when I cried when he explained it to me. He gave me this ring afterwards."
Still, taking a childhood memento like Lucius's knife (even if it had a horrible history behind it). But for Ike to take this precious gift from Priscilla... She truly trusted him to hold it for her.
"When you go back to Tellius, I want you to remember me as the girl who loved her family, no matter what they've done. And her beloved brother." Priscilla spoke with resolute tone. She then closed her eyes as she continued: "I have a feeling, you'll return to your homeland with him. Along with Lucius... and Guy."
Ike closed his eyes before smiling and putting on his necklace. Priscilla's eyes narrowed in happiness upon witnessing Ike wearing his new necklace.
"Since we're in the matter of exchanging rings..." Ike humorously spoke as he took out the fire tome and guiding ring. Priscilla's eyes widened upon recognizing the items from the cloth bag.
This is what Erk wanted to give to Priscilla first.
"This is..." She voiced out.
"Take it, so you can protect your family. Fight alongside your brother, as part of the Greil Mercenaries. Until our journey ends." Ike spoke with a sense of passion. "Erk wants you to have them, so staves won't be your only forte."
Priscilla stood still before smiling and accepting it. She placed the ring on her finger, and her figure glowed. Her attire changed, with a new metal breastplate, with spaulders, and a hat with a feather accessory at both ends of her head instead of just her left. Her guiding ring disappeared, on her hand, as if it was never worn. She became a Valkyrie class. Those promotional items regardless of whether it is in Elibe or Tellius are of the mystical sort. Able to even change the equipment and attire of a person using them.
"Thank you, I will fight alongside my Lord Brother. Protect him as he would protect me. As well as everyone." Bowing down her head along with a gesture of salute as she spoke, she continued: "My magic skills are at your command, Commander Ike."
Ike nodded proudly at Priscilla. The girl who will stand to fight for her family, and not just be protected.
"Good. I expect much from you as our offensive line spellcaster and healer. Rest well, we have a mission to do tomorrow." Ike spoke in a commanding tone.
Priscilla smiled at her leader and saluted.
"Aye, Commander!"
Priscilla went off to her quarters, leaving Ike to himself underneath the stars.
She glanced back before she entered inside the ship, seeing the proud radiant figure. A leader she'll follow on this journey. Riding her steed as she casts spells against her enemies and heal her allies.
On that very night, within that moment she took the ring and tome, she made her decision. She will return home, but it won't be for long. She needed to stand proud before her family. Despite the short time she went on her journey, watching how radiant and gallant her brother and the Greil Mercenaries were, she too, desired to fight for herself. Beyond just blood ties, she knew... that they all were family. She knew that she couldn't repay the love and kindness her adoptive parents have given her, but she knew that happiness was all that mattered. Even if it was selfish, she wants to stand beside her brother, her companions, her loved ones. And she was happy to protect the company she grew to love so much within a short time.
Ike sat underneath the stars, humming to himself a lullaby. His mother's lullaby. For the past hour, he sat there after conversing with Priscilla.
"Hey, couldn't sleep?" A voice called out from behind. It was Lyn. She looked in front of Ike's chest that held a new accessory. "Oh, you got new ring necklace?"
"Priscilla gave it to me, as a memento like Lucius. It was out gratitude for helping her find out the truth." Ike explained while Lyn smiled at him. "Don't worry. I'll be getting shut eye real soon."
"Y'think singing to yourself and not with others with a clap of thunder will tire you out!?" Dart called out from the ship's crow's nest. "Ask the captain and he'll bring out the barrel. You'll be singing sea shanties with the crew. I'll even join you!"
They both looked at one another before looking up at Dart and smiled. It was advice, nonetheless. But not something Ike wants to do on while on a job.
"Thanks for the offer, Dart! But I have to stay sober for tomorrow!" Ike called out.
"No problem, I understand. You'll find an even better way to tire yourself out. Hey, don't be playing too much with each other!" The pairs eyes widened at his statement. "The walls of the ship are thin! We'll hear everything!"
Lyn stood flabbergasted as a big grin appeared on Dart, sputtering while ready to turn red and retaliate. Ike scratched his head in embarrassment of Dart's teasing. He soon held a smirk, ready for a comeback against Dart.
"Well, I'm sure you and Wil have plenty of experience in that regard. Everyone roared with laughter with how Wil took off your shirt. No amount of walls could have prevented the entire town of Badon from hearing it." Dart soon frowned at the retort from Ike. Somewhere in the ship, Wil sneezed in his quarters. Lyn found herself giggling.
"Wha- why I oughtta... huh!?" Just as he was about to spout profanities back at Ike, he spotted from his position of a flier coming from direction where Ike and Lyn were.
"A pegasus flier incoming from the East!" He announced and pointed.
The pair looked in the direction, there indeed was a pegasus knight coming their way. She had light blue hair at a shoulder-length with two bangs at the side of her face, with a thin rope headband. At any rate, she looked exhausted.
She landed near Ike and Lyn, with her pegasus also ready to fall over. She dismounted with tiredness evident on her face.
"Forgive me... I only need a moment to borrow your sailing vessel... I will pay the necessary amount if I can obtain a few supplies from your ship and for a little bit of rest..." She spoke while panting. "Although, you are sailing in the direction of Valor, so I suggest you turn back. I'll be leaving soon after, not to worry."
Just as Ike and Lyn looked at one another, they were about to respond until Dart's voice roared out as he went down from the crow's nest.
"Oi, Lassie! Who do you think you're talking to!? Yer on a pirate ship! Do you not see the flag!?" Dart called out while pointing to the Davros flag. Lyn looked at Dart with a stupefied look as if he was crazy.
Granted, it was dark out, and the flier could barely see. The woman's eyes widened upon taking a better look at her surroundings, albeit barely given her exhausted state. She finally realized that she was on a pirate vessel.
She quickly grabbed her lance off her pegasus and pointed at anyone who was near her.
"Whoa!" Ike voiced out while holding with one hand his sword at the pommel while it was sheathed while raising his other hand to halt her. "This pirate vessel is just contracted by us to head to the Dread Isles. We have a band of mercenaries and Lycian lords on this ship that have a mission to accomplish."
"What makes you think I'll believe in pirates?" Pointing her lance at Ike as she spoke.
The woman was running on fumes at any rate, having been exhausted from her ordeal at sea. She could barely see properly of what was in front of her. Her pegasus flew her to the ship, knowing it was the only nearby safe place where they could land.
"Please, stop. You're safe on this vessel, he's telling the truth." Lyn pleaded to the woman. Who only frowned upon hearing her.
"You have a woman with you? A hostage!?" She kept pointing her lance at Ike. At this rate, Ike was at lance point until they incapacitated her. She looked stressed and delirious by all accounts, with her exhaustion not helping her discern between ally and foe.
"...Fiora...?" A voice came out from the entrance of the quarters. It was Florina's voice. Ike and Lyn widened their eyes at their latest visitor being Florina's eldest sister. What were the odds?
The woman named Fiora halted. She turned to the direction of her youngest sister's voice.
"Florina...?" She voiced out, walking, or rather stumbling towards the direction of her sister's voice. Only to lose consciousness the next moment. She fell forward due to exhaustion.
Her pegasus neighed in worry at their rider, coming close to her.
"Fiora!" Florina called out while running to her sister.
Soon, more people came out from the entrance to see what was going on. At any rate, they needed to attend to Florina's older sister. Her pegasus was familiar with Florina, affectionately nudging her.
"Man... we really deal with family reunions all the time, now that I think about it." Ike concluded. Lyn seemed to ponder for a moment, before nodding in agreement.
AN:
To guest: Fixed it to animals.