Interlude ~Base Convos Part 18~
"I must apologize for my behavior..." Fiora bowed before Lyn and Ike. "To think I would end up on the same ship as my sister. And with Lady Lyndis of Caelin, alongside Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lord Hector of Ostia."
She recovered that very morning upon resting and eating. Fiora found herself resting in Florina's quarters with her sister at her bedside, sleeping on a chair. The sight made her realize the pirates that were escorting them were no mere ruffians. She found herself introduced to the Lycian lords and their knights alongside the Greil Mercenaries. Some more eager to know her (Sain) than others.
"Don't worry, it was that numbskull who blurted out that the Davros running this ship were pirates. Granted, they're not like most marauders." Lyn explained. "You were tired and exhausted. Plus it was dark out, so you couldn't see well."
Moreover, Dart was better off learning more tact. Or perhaps his amnesia took away common sense as well. In any event, it rewarded Dart with a mouthful from Rebecca.
"Still, I threatened you without realizing the situation. Please, allow my skills be used at your disposal upon arrival to Valor." Fiora proposed to the pair.
The pair looked concerned towards her. Apparently, Florina inquired as to why she was alone. Only to find out Fiora's squad perished after attempting to investigate the Dread Isles, and she alone had to flee. The 5th Wing of Ilia's Pegasus Knights sacrificed themselves to have their commander live. It was a miracle she ended up on the Davros ship.
"Thank you, you are free to accompany us along our mission. You'll even be paid for your work to fight our enemies." Fiora's eyes widened at Ike's conditions.
"O-oh no! Please, I must decline. I did end up causing trouble to you-" Only for Ike to halt her objection with a raise of the hand.
"You'll be fairly compensated for your work. Florina is working as a knight of Caelin earning her pay, and so will you as a mercenary. That said..." Ike brought out a bag of gold. Roughly 15,000 of it. "This is a deposit for a contract."
Ike inquired to Florina how much her debt was when she took a loan. Calculating the average pay for pegasus knights along with the number of jobs Fiora takes, it was roughly 15,000 after the incident two years ago, so with that, it would be enough after interest. He already gave Heath his own deposit from when he joined.
"Oh my..." She looked concerned as she received the gold in her hands. "But... can you truly trust me to work under your employ? I've failed my comrades..."
In most circumstances, it was crucial to build trust based on accomplishments. Fiora's responsibility as leader did not paint a good picture of herself when she effectively failed the mission with just herself alive. But given the circumstances, what she went against were no mere enemies, but the Black Fang who drive a wedge against the original intended purpose of the Fang. So she could hardly be blamed for her failure.
Heath acted similarly upon receiving a good amount of gold from Ike. But he needed people to be well-equipped and paid under his employ. However, Erk insisted all his money be dedicated to tomes and similarly with the others on their weapons/staves. In other words, the group often paid for their own equipment, leaving Ike to just worry about the company funds for other expenses despite whatever objections he raised.
Ike shook his head and responded, "What happened was beyond what anyone could have prepared for. Florina trusts you and looks up to you as a capable mercenary. For now, receive this payment and continue onward alongside your sister. You'll be paid accordingly with the battles ahead."
Lyn smiled at Fiora, nodding to encourage her to take the contract. Fiora contemplated for a moment and agreed.
"Very well, Fiora of the 5th Wing of Ilia's Pegasus Knights, at your service." She introduced herself with a salute.
"Likewise," Ike acquiesced. "I'm Ike, Commander of the Greil Mercenaries in Elibe, I welcome you into our company."
"Ike." Oswin's voice called out in the hallway of the ship. He looked towards Oswin with Hector in tow.
"Hector, Oswin. Good work on defending and counterattacking that day. Eliwood also did well." Ike complimented to the pair.
They didn't get the opportunity to converse. Hector was off accompanying Eliwood who also accompanied Ninian. Who seemed more comfortable being with her savior from a year ago.
"Likewise! The battle was done in a blink of an eye. Your company was amazing as well. I've heard your myrmidon really showed off when he fought in the ship that was approaching us from the rear." Hector remarked with his compliment.
Bartre made a spectacle of Guy (in a very exaggerated manner) of his display of using Sol, or a variant of it. Florina also did splendidly although she was in Lyn's camp.
"I've seen your camp and Caelin's knights perform wondrous skills during our skirmishes. I will make a request to Anna to her wares to obtain some of these scrolls." Oswin pointed out. "I will ask, how did you all become so strong?"
The Lycian lords besides Caelin were debriefed on Ike's unique access to wares from his homeland. Granted, they would have to make their own purchases. Priscilla already obtained her own occultic scroll from Anna upon obtaining the guiding ring and fire tome. They would refuse to accept generosity considering how much Ike paid for their voyage to Valor.
"Of course. You can borrow the note from me if you need some. Also, arenas, sparring, and constant battles tend to really make anyone stronger." To which Hector patted on Ike's shoulder at the mention of arenas.
"You like going into the ring, eh? Those places really know how to make a man! That's how I really got strong with my axe." Hector voiced out.
Oswin narrowed his eyes at his liege. It seems as though the brother of a Marquess is not exempt from scrutiny if they went gallivanting about in the arena. Hector soon noticed and felt Oswin's burning stare.
"Oh, ummm... not anymore as of lately... ha ha..." Hector attempted to hide to which Ike and Oswin raised their brows. He then faced Oswin, or rather with his head down. "Please don't tell Uther..."
Ike then felt it was time to interject for Hector.
"Yeah, going to the arena is the best place to train. You get paid well if you win or hype up the crowd enough. There's alot of practical benefits, and that's how we obtained alot of our funds." Ike explanation seemed to lessen the severity of Oswin's stare. "Plus, it gives you alot of battle experience against fighters. Without your experience in the ring, you and your comrades would have faced alot more difficulties, I'm sure. So I definitely know where you're coming from, Hector."
Oswin's scrutinizing gaze diminished entirely. Ike's assessment was not wrong. Arenas were useful in providing proper battles against foes outside of being trained by the court. So Hector's willingness to engage in battles that were less savory were beneficial in protecting himself and his peers.
"Ha... In any event..." Oswin spoke as he sighed out. He turned to Ike with a heartfelt look. "I must thank you for bringing me before Lord Raymond and Lady Priscilla. Lord Hector and I offered to petition to Lord Uther to rebuild their former house, no matter how small recompense it is. But they refused, yet remained strong. It is thanks to you and your group for reinvigorating their spirits within a short time. Their parents will surely rest happy knowing they continue to move forward."
Ike shook his head. He didn't do much, all he did was redirect them to the right people. He felt the siblings would have accomplished their goals without him. They would have met one another in Caelin and maybe Oswin would have reached out to the siblings.
"Do not be so modest, no amount of prostrating would have calmed his heart without the help of his companions and sister. That is why, ask whatever you need, and I shall do whatever I can within my capacity to assist you while I remain committed to my duties as a knight of House Ostia."
Oswin spoke in a resolute tone, glad to assist in whatever tasks Ike and his group encounter. Ike stood silent while Hector looked at Oswin with an approving gaze.
Ike nodded and responded: "Very well, I ask that you continue to guard everyone with the lance you hold." To which Oswin saluted.
"Yes, Commander Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. Oswin, Knight of the Ostia, is pleased to assist you under orders of Lord Hector. My lance and armor are at your command."
As Ike walked across the hallway, he took a glimpse of Raven assisting with Rebecca, who was attempting to change her bowstring. Wil was off on lookout with Dart alongside Rath. Leaving Raven to assist with Rebecca on her bow.
He smiled as he walked past the pair, then halted when noticing Bartre soon coming up with a long parchment (a very long one) to Raven who was done helping Rebecca. A confused frown became evident as he looked over the contents of the paper. 'What language was that...?' Ike thought to himself.
Unbeknownst to Ike, it was actually Bartre's family tree. However, his handwriting was so atrocious that even Guy who walked by, witnessed this tree with great confusion. While Guy was considered an eager person, even he knew he wasn't on the same wavelength as Bartre.
Just as Ike was about to join in, he heard someone call out from behind.
"Ike." He turned to see Lucius, holding a smile. The pair remained unnoticed by the trio who were still engaged in a profound discovery of Bartre's handwriting.
"May I speak with you?"
The pair led themselves to another study. They faced one another upon entering the room.
"Did you need something?" Ike asked of Lucius.
"I must again, thank you for saving Raymond's soul..." Lucius graciously spoke with gratitude in his voice. "You alleviated his burden in a way I could not. Along with Lady Priscilla... I've seen newfound resolve within himself."
Ike fought back a retort after having said that the pair would have reached their goal twice to people. In the end, he decided to roll with it.
"You or Priscilla could have achieved the same results without me. And I know the both of you would never let Raven shoulder the entire burden with the truth of his house." Ike reassured to Lucius. "In the end, Raven, you, and Priscilla would look out for one another. To Raven, you're family. No, we're all family, the Greil Mercenaries. Whether you have blood ties or not."
Lucius stood silent before smiling and nodding. His life was filled of ups and downs, he found himself alone having lost his family. Finding it once again through Raymond's family, then losing most of them, save Raymond. Now he's regained it through the Greil Mercenaries. Helping the people, fighting alongside one another with fellow comrades. Even his own sickness of the soul began to be alleviated in a way he didn't think was possible.
Although he was a monk, and discouraged from violence, he found solace when fighting beside his friends, or rather, family. Now he finally realized in his life what to fight for. And he won't lose it again. For his own health and sake, this was his own selfish desire to fight for his family. But there was still an eating feeling inside of him, he cannot get rid of.
"It's strange..." Ike's attention went to Lucius when he spoke. "I am the most paradoxical sort of acolyte, I offer relief to those who are hurt inside, yet, I, too, am afflicted. I set aside my grief and gave the dagger to you, as a form of letting go my sorrows and having myself be reminded to set as an example for my best friend. Yet I feel ashamed... for you have been the one to guide both Raymond and Priscilla. Moreover... I still feel this ache... when I look upon that dagger I gave you."
Ike looked at the stiletto that was holstered and strapped to his right leg. He wondered if Lucius still felt sorrow over the loss of his parents because of this dagger.
"Do you... still feel sad when you look at the dagger?" To which Lucius shook his head.
"Not exactly, it feels like something that seems... unresolved. In my attempt to champion over my sorrow and guide my friend as a proper example, I feel like a hypocrite who accomplished nothing." Lucius admonished himself to which Ike furrowed his brows. He then closed his eyes and held his head down before Ike and continued. "I've only received relief to my own soul when traveling with you, servicing my own needs by making sure Raymond doesn't stray from the right path... this is my confession to you Ike, of my own sin. Forgive me..."
Ike remained frowning, shaking his head out of exasperation. He then held his temple to recollect himself over what Lucius just said.
"You realize that I'm not a priest, right Lucius?" Lucius raised his head and opened his eyes in wonder. However, Ike continued: "I don't need to forgive you, and there's nothing to apologize for. Besides, it's natural that family always end up worrying over their own. You're the same in that regard. There's nothing to be ashamed for."
Lucius widened his eyes and gaped his mouth open in amazement of Ike's statement. But Ike continued with a hint of amusement.
"You're worried sick about your family, and there's that excessive coddling over Raven since he's the closest to you. No wonder he said didn't need a wife. You're there to jabber at him." To which Lucius sputtered and held his hand to his chest out of exasperation from Ike's remark.
"I beg your pardon!? W-what's that supposed to mean again!?" Lucius cried out. "You and Raymond are both teasing me with this nonsense!"
This was a rare moment of Lucius looking utterly embarrassed of himself. And he was used to being teased for his appearance. But now he was being teased for his actions. Ike shook his head in amusement but looked up at Lucius's reddened face.
"It's not nonsense... because I kind of envy Raven now." Lucius halted his confused expression upon Ike's statement. "I miss my family in Tellius. My father and Mist worried over me. Their nagging. Titania and my father's scolding over my lack of form... But I know how much they love me. They must be worried sick over my absence. And I hope they are still healthy, and doing well."
He had no way to reach out to them to let them know he was fine. No way to once again hear their worries until he returns. What he would give to being admonished by his father, Greil, or even Shinon's off-handed insults if it meant hearing one of their voices again.
"Ike..." Lucius voiced out.
"There's nothing to feel ashamed over a normal action. Family always worry over their own. It's nonsense to call it sinful when we all want to be rest assured that your family is safe and sound and not doing anything dangerous. But I feel happy to know you worry over Raven. You're not alone, everyone goes through with it. Moreover..." Ike trailed off, and gave a warm smile. "Without you and Priscilla, Raven would have never gotten out of his slump. He felt secure, knowing the both of you were there for him, no matter what. That's what family does for each other. You're the best example of a good brother to Raven more than anyone."
Lucius stood still for a moment before giving the warmest and genuine smile to Ike. Despite the welling doubts in his heart whenever he saw the stiletto, one thing remained true in his heart.
"Likewise, aren't we all family in the Greil Mercenaries?" Lucius pointed out.
Ike nodded. "Of course. As family, we support each other through thick and thin."
Unbeknownst to the pair, two siblings looked at the two with a smile. One of them with a hardened gaze giving a soft expression. While the demure one, looking fondly at the conversation.
"We've arrived." Fargus announced as they disembarked on land.
There were plenty of forests in the South, along with abandoned forts across the twin bridges. In any event, it was easy to get ambushed. But with their army's numbers, it wouldn't be easy.
"Thank you very much." Eliwood spoke. Only for Fargus to wave off Eliwood's gratitude.
"We'll wait two weeks. Finish up by then." Fargus replied.
That was ample time assuming their group did not get lost in their trek to the Dragon's Gate.
"That's more than enough time!" Hector added.
"Thanks Fargus, we'll be done before you know it." Ike spoke with a reassuring tone.
"You've done so much… I can't thank you enough…" Eliwood voiced out. And it wasn't just to Fargus, but to Ike as well.
"Come back alive! That's all the thanks I need. Jake and Dart should be enough to assist ya." Fargus replied.
The pair were currently assisting Anna and Merlinus carry supplies and wares from the ship through a small boat, carrying both people and items back and forth. This time, Fargus took the small boat back with them.
Eliwood nodded and spoke: "All right. Farewell!
Everyone waved back at Fargus as he sailed back to his ship. The rest of the army and their wares should be ready within a couple more trips.
"Man, the old man and his group sure aren't your average pirates." Hector remarked.
"Yup. I'll have to treat them to a barrel once we get back." Ike replied with a smile.
Lyn then turned to Ike putting her hands on her hip as she spoke: "Worry about your own total and company, Ike! We'll take care of celebrations for the Davros on our own."
With that scolding, Ike scratched his head with a smile. All the while Jake and Dart gave a thumbs up. They'll be looking forward to a good drink after their job.
The group then turned South to where the sea of trees were.
"Somewhere within that forest is the Dragon's Gate." Eliwood spoke.
His gaze which held hope and worry looked off into the distance.
"Eliwood! No matter what it takes, we're coming back with your father!" Hector voiced out. Lyn also added: "…We'll surely find him. We'll all do our best to make it so."
"We're going to get him out of here. You have the finest knights, lords, and mercenaries at your side." Ike assured to Eliwood.
Eliwood stood silent before nodding with a smile. He had plenty of comrades with him to take on anything Nergal and the Black Fang threw at him. He was ready.
"You're right. Let's make preparations to enter the forest."
Ninian inched closer to the woods. Her expression being uncertain and perhaps nostalgic.
"Dragon's Gate…" She murmured. Ike and Lyn frowned at Ninian's unusual behavior.
"Is something wrong, Ninian?" Ike called out. To which Ninian shook her head.
"It's…nothing…"
"Shame on you, Marquess Pherae. You freed the boy AND the girl?" Nergal scolded to the shackled Elbert.
"I will not let you move unopposed!" Elbert shouted while struggling to remove his restraints.
They stood within the Dragon's Gate. A grand ritual that had its key components missing. The beaten man with red hair and mustache continued to resist continuously.
"Wh-What shall we do, Lord Nergal? With both siblings gone, we can no longer hold the ceremony." Darin stammered nervously.
"How many times must I tell you, Lord Darin?" Elbert shouted at Darin attempting to bring back reason to the man. "You are being used by this man! By helping him bring dragons back into this world, you are helping him destroy mankind! Do you understand?!"
Darin snapped out of his nervous stupor and looked to his former Lycian League colleague and grinned.
"Pah…ha ha ha… Destroy mankind? Dragons may have been a threat to mankind in ages past, but with Lord Nergal's power, we've got nothing to fear! Lord Nergal can control dragons! Ha ha…ha ha ha…" Darin laughed out, with insanity present in his eyes.
Elbert shook his head in defeat over having failed to bring him to reason. The man in question having abandoned his territory, his son, for a chance at ruling over Elibe.
"Lord Darin… You're already lost."
"I'd planned to start a war in Lycia. The war I was plotting in Lycia would've generated a glorious amount of FORCE in one blow. You were not equal to the task, it seems. Not to worry. I've other means at hand." Nergal grinned to himself as he spoke.
The Pheraen lord then struggled further to release his restraints. He needed to stop these mad men.
"Black-hearted fiend! Guuuh!" He voiced out upon being kicked, or rather stomped by Nergal.
"Hold your tongue. There is still a task you must perform for me. Ephidel! Limstella!" Nergal called out. The raven-haired pair soon appeared before their master. Ephidel no longer shrouded by a hood, with a wavy strand of hair sticking out while the rest of his hair is tied back in a ponytail. Limstella, who held a rather ethereal beauty, with a circlet on their forehead. With a dark long vest, matching boots, with a white blouse underneath the vest with a matching long-pants.
"My beloved morphs, my beauteous works of art. I've new jobs for you, my pets. First, Limstella. You will go to Bern and contact Sonia. I want you to arrange a meeting with the king." Nergal ordered to the effeminate being.
"Understood." Limstella obliged, bowing before their master.
"Ephidel, take this…man, Marquess Laus, and go. I want you to exterminate the mice who've landed on this island." Nergal gestured to Darin and ordered his morph to position him to defend the Dragon's Gate.
"Yes, master." Ephidel bowed and went off with Darin.
Nergal then turned to Elbert with a sinister grin.
"That leaves you, Marquess Pherae. It seems your legacy is one of endurance." Nergal remarked to which Elbert looked immediately alarmed.
Eliwood, his son. He should have been remaining in Pherae.
"…The mouse who interfered with my conquest of Lycia is named Eliwood. Should he be congratulated on making it this far?" Nergal spoke with an amused expression.
"Eliwood? My son is here? Stop! Do with me what you will, but let my son be!" Elbert pleaded to Nergal whose grin remained on his face.
"Hm?" Nergal looked puzzled as he voiced his surprise which then turned into a fierce smile. "Heh…Hehahahaha! Remember the siblings you freed? The girl's here, too. As a matter of fact, she's with your son, Eliwood. Quite a delicious twist of fate, wouldn't you say?"
He sensed Ninian within the island. Her presence was very discerning to Nergal who was attuned to the mystical arts. Moreover, he could wipe out the Lycian lords and the annoying band of mercenaries. However, he had a shaking feeling with another presence... No matter.
"…This can't be…" Elbert voiced out in despair.
Nergal continued to chuckle to himself seeing the defeated expression of his prisoner.
"Eliwood will die in these woods. The girl will be returned to me, and the ceremony will take place. Hm… Despite those long hours of torture, you remain undaunted. Such courage will make you the perfect sacrifice, Marquess Pherae." Nergal praised with sinister intentions.
Elbert soon began to pray to himself. Or rather for his son to leave safely out of Valor.
"Eliwood… Turn back… Take the girl and flee… …Please..."
A cloaked figure stood outside the entrance to the gate. Eavesdropping on the conversations. She had short red hair with matching eyes and bangs combed over that covered the right side of her eye. She had a mole right above her chin on the left side under her lip.
"I can't believe it's come to this. I must inform Lord Hector of these events… If I hurry, I may be in time." She muttered. "What!?"
Ephidel appeared before her alongside with a young man with spiky red hair sticking out from the top of his head. The man in question with wearing dark vest with an exposed midriff, with a cloak that shrouded himself save for his face and the top of his hair. His tattoo on his left deltoid that resembled two birds.
"Leila… Where are you going?" Ephidel asked.
"Lord Ephidel… The sentries… I'm going to check on…" Leila attempted to make excuses herself but failing to do so.
"You overheard, did you not? …And I had such hopes for you." Ephidel spoke with disappointment in his voice. "Jaffar!"
"Ah!" She voiced out.
Jaffar unsheathed his pair of curved daggers and spoke with an emotionless expression.
"The punishment for traitors is death."
With a single blink of an eye, Jaffar dashed towards her with blinding speed. Two strikes to the opposite sides of the neck and finally the heart. Flicking away the blood on his knives, he sheathed them.
"Aa… …Ma…Matthew…" She voiced out before falling.
Her thoughts to the brown-haired fellow spy. Her beloved whom she was willing to leave behind her line of work once her job was done. Now it was no longer possible...
Ephidel clapped in amazement at Jaffar's handiwork. Seeing the Lycian spy's blood being spilled.
"…Impressive, Jaffar. Your power is beyond compare." He complimented. However, the man in question remained unresponsive.
"Take this woman's corpse and leave it in the forest. Let it serve as a warning to those fools." He ordered to which Jaffar obliged. Taking her body out of the Dragon's Gate.
The fog would roll in, leaving them unaware of the sinister cruelty that awaited them.