Interlude ~Base Convos Part 25~
Ike walked to the campsite, only to find Dart and Farina fussing over what appeared to be a map. Farina gave a mischievous grin upon looking up and down right before scurrying off in Ike's direction. It was then that Dart realized he was tricked.
"Nggh! You gold-snatching witch! Well, all I have to do is decipher the riddle before she does... And I'll find that treasure first! Or my name isn't Dart!" He yelled out and probably went to find Canas to assist him in his riddle.
Well, technically his name wasn't Dart but Ike decided he wasn't going to point it out. After Farina separated from Dart, it was only then that she realized Ike was there in front of her.
"Oh, Commander! Didn't see you there!" Farina exclaimed. She then put her hands on her hips giving an annoyed look. "I just found out Fiora is getting paid more! Pegasus knights like I don't come cheap, you know!"
While her rates were certainly exorbitant and Ike was certainly generous, she didn't want to be given the short end of the stick.
"That deal came out of a time when we got a good payout from the arena," Ike answered promptly. "Besides, we chose that amount since we wanted her to pay off her debts. If you want to get a higher rate per battle, then prove it to me by working alongside your sisters. You all coordinated yourselves perfectly on the battlefield. I swear Florina has been looking more confident by the day with both her sisters at her side."
It was no empty praise. They truly did comparatively well by working as a trio. Not only that, Florina had her family to fight next to her, raising her morale. Fiora and Farina being there made her want to prove herself to them. It was then that Farina put her hands on her hips as she smirked and huffed haughtily.
"Well of course, not only are we the beauties of Ilia, but our skills are peerless when we fight together! Wait a second..." She narrowed her eyes at Ike the next moment, bewildering Ike with her sudden change of tone. "You're not eyeing my sisters, are you?"
It was then that Ike became dumbfounded by her question. "What?"
What on earth was this pegasus knight implying?
"My little sister may not be under your payroll, but you seemed to notice that she's been increasingly strong and confident. She used to be so scared of men, but she doesn't seem to hold as much apprehension towards you..." She continued to give Ike a suspicious look as she listed out facts. "Fiora and I are being paid way beyond a normal mercenary salary after deposit, about 3x if I had to say. You're not trying to make us indebted to you by giving us a lot of gold, are you?"
Ike gave Farina a deadpan expression. Needless to say, he never had any ulterior motives against the Ilian sisters. Not only that, why did she just point out their high pay as if admitting to being worth less? That makes no sense if she's the one who first made the high offer.
True, Florina's androphobia had been alleviated since meeting Ike and working in Caelin. But that was through her efforts and no one else's.
"Florina is a nice girl but I'm not interested. I just noticed she's been taking a greater initiative because she wants to make her family proud," Ike pointed out. "Nor am I interested in your eldest sister or you. So please stop that line of thinking before others misunderstand."
Ike only gave praise because they deserved it. He didn't give any superficial compliments based on appearances or out of courtesy. He wasn't Gatrie.
Farina gave a scrutinizing look before finally giving up. It seemed as though she was convinced that Ike did not lie. At least until she resumed her suspicious gaze on Ike the next moment.
"I'm keeping my eye on you. I don't think you can resist the charm of Florina, Fiora, and me. The beauties of Ilia." Ike sighed out in exasperation as she continued her strange form of logic and boasting. "I still think you just want to take us all for yourself... and don't think about attempting to butter us up with your compliments! We won't let you lower our wage or our guard through just praises alone!"
With that, she ran off to tend to her pegasus, Murphy. Ike then wondered what he got himself into. Was this a form of payback for haggling on her contract?
Ike walked to the campfire, where Canas and Florina sat and discussed with one another. Nils sat silently near the campfire looking into the forest. At least she didn't seem shy towards Canas, whose disposition was quite friendly. Ike knew they were both from Ilia, so it's good to know they were getting along.
"Oh, Ike!" Canas called out. "We had just spoken with Dame Ninian. She went to speak with Lord Eliwood."
Right, Nils and Ninian supposedly came from Ilia, whose mother was an ice dragon. Although Ike had never been to Ilia, he knew the cold climate was more suitable for pegasus and the ice dragons.
Ike noticed Nils peered out possibly looking where Ninian had gone, as if that was the reason he was distraught. What was Ninian going to speak with Eliwood about?
"What were you guys discussing?" Ike prodded, to which Canas obliged.
"We were discussing our hometowns, and we found out Dame Ninian was born near the mountain of the Ice Dragon," Canas answered.
Nils and even Ike's eyes flickered at the mention of the place and dragon. Nils in particular held a complicated gaze.
"My sisters and I were born in Edessa, where the pegasi gather. And I wanted to bring up the story of the ice dragon in Ilia." Florina added, to which Nils finally looked away from the forest and faced Florina.
"If I may, can you share the tale with me? For my sister," Nils asked, surprising Ike.
Ike had a hunch, that if their mother was an ice dragon and they were born in Ilia... that meant whatever tale that was about to be shared would be of Nils and Ninian's mother.
"Oh...I see... Well, a long time ago, there was an ice dragon in Ilia. And this kind dragon helped the people of Ilia, who had trouble living in snow year-round. But a war broke out between dragons and people..." Florina spoke the tale with a sense of sadness. But Ike and Nils listened intently to the story, not wanting to interrupt it. "And the kind dragons, not wanting to hurt the humans, went off to a faraway place."
Many of them were split up, either in hiding or beyond the Gate. If Aenir was the ice dragon, Ike had a sinking feeling something bad may have happened to Nergal's wife during the Scouring.
"My mother wanted to find out more about the legend, searching for traces of the ice dragon. But only found ancient scrolls detailing the ferocity of dragons," Nils held a flicker of apprehension towards Canas as he added to the conversation, only for it to relieve itself at his next sentence. "A shame, I hoped to learn more about the peaceful interactions between mankind and dragons."
Canas was a man of curiosity, but never went beyond a certain threshold to attain power. He sought wisdom and was the least likely to disregard his morals.
"I wanted to meet the ice dragon when I was little..." Florina added, making Nils raise his eyes slightly. "My sister always told me it was a bedtime story, but I knew people always laid their offerings to the mountains. So I waited all night next to the place of offering... But I saw dawn the next morning, and the ice dragon never came... Then I caught a cold and Fiora got very upset with me."
Ike was suddenly reminded of when Mist got sick. He somewhat empathized with Fiora if his sister became ill due to her actions.
"Understandable," Canas voiced out in a sense of empathy. "But I feel your pain, I too wanted to learn more by going to that mountain. Unfortunately, I found nothing of literary value there, just a statue dedicated to the dragon. Although I do feel a sense of appreciation when seeing the majestic statue in person."
Florina smiled and nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with Canas. However, Nils held a bewildered look at the pair.
"Miss Florina, Mr. Canas, are you both not afraid of dragons?" Nils asked the pair from Ilia. "Doesn't everyone think that dragons are terrifying, man-eating beasts? I mean, how could two different species ever get along?"
Ike knew Nils and Ninian were too insecure over the matter of the long history of hostilities between humanity and dragons. Even though Hawkeye shared the matter of Arcadia with the siblings.
Florina shook her head and smiled at Nils: "It doesn't matter what species you are... Look at me. My pegasus and I are of different species..."
The mention of Huey was brought up. Then again, people have domesticated wyverns, horses, and pegasi for generations, making them more docile towards mankind. Ike didn't want to point that out, seeing as it was a matter of perspective.
"Pegasi are all very shy around humans... But I'm kind of that way, too... At first, this sweet mare and I were so afraid of each other... It didn't go so well... But we played together and swam together... And soon, we began to understand each other... And that's how we became friends... So even if two beings may be shaped a little differently... That doesn't mean they can't get along." Florina explained.
"I wish to catalog and find much of the history between humans and dragons before the Scouring. How they interacted, the culture, everything I can to paint an accurate history and viewpoint of dragons," Canas added with an excited expression in his eyes. "My path to knowledge comes at a risk to my life, but I wish to know more about the species whose intelligence is on par or greater than the majority of humanity."
Both Florina and Canas's reasons stem from their personal experiences. One for the pursuit of knowledge, the other for getting along with their steed. In any event, Nils seemed to finally nod in understanding. If the world were filled with people like these, perhaps there would have been no conflict. People could have a society like in Arcadia, where humans and dragons can live in harmony like they once did.
"I can recommend you to Pent, if you wish to learn more on the subject, Canas. Where he studied with Athos is very enlightening to people like you," Ike responded, making Canas all the more eager to discuss with the Count. "I wish my homeland had people like all of you... can't say they treat everyone with similar intelligence the same way..."
It was then that everyone gave a curious expression towards Ike. Nils knew what Ike was referring to when mentioning intelligent beings.
"Ike, your homeland has these laguz... what was your impression when you met them? Especially the red-lion king, Caineghis?" Nils prodded to Ike, who nodded to answer.
Canas and Florina were not aware of laguz, so they were in the dark of Tellius, Ike's homeland.
"Although I barely interacted with beast-tribe laguz, I still remember how proud the man looked. He's well-acquainted with my father and Titania, my father's second-in-command. I didn't live in Gallia for very long, but I still have fond memories of the beast laguz I've met," Ike then turned to Canas and Florina. "Laguz are people with animalistic features. Most of them can transform into the animals they resemble: from beasts, to birds, and they even include dragons."
The mention of his last words made Florina and Canas look at him with shock.
"You still have dragons in your continent, Ike!?" Canas asked excitedly. "Please tell me more about these laguz! Their culture, the potential difference in diet, their-"
His frantic line of questioning was halted by a raise of the hand from Ike.
"Hold on, it's better to find out more about their culture and traits in person or in Crimea's capital of Melior, where the royal library is. Last time I checked, Gallia and Crimea have established diplomacy with one another, so learning about them might be available in books. If not, maybe when we visit Gallia or any other laguz country," Ike explained to Canas.
Canas did plan to work and learn more to potentially help his homeland while in Tellius. Although Ike felt he was being a little too enthusiastic in wanting to find out about other races whose interaction with beorc/humanity is minimal or often less-than-ideal.
Who knows, maybe Canas and Erk would be the first people to make a journal detailing their interactions with the laguz and learning about their way of life. With their disposition, they're more open to finding out about laguz compared to most Crimeans in Tellius, or any nation for that matter. Whatever Anna alluded to, Ike hoped he could stop by Gallia along the way to reunite with Caineghis again.
Meanwhile, Florina sat silent, mumbling about something. As if in anticipation...
"Is something wrong, Florina?" Ike asked, to which Florina shook her head.
"N-no, I was just wondering if your continent might have ice dragons?" Florina queried to the mercenary commander. Nils also looked at Ike with expectant eyes.
Ike then cupped his chin, and then shook his head, slightly disappointing Florina. Nils was also slightly dejected over the lack of similar dragons like he and his sister were.
"Sorry, the dragon laguz from Goldoa are said to come in red, white, and black dragons. I heard if they mix, they have a color in-between supposedly," Ike answered promptly.
"Just wondering," Everyone's attention went to Canas, who spoke up. "Can laguz of different species supposedly interbreed with one another, like with dragons and birds, and perhaps, humans? I've heard of old scrolls that detailed dragons having mated with some humans. Their offspring being another dragon or a gifted individual."
Now that was a sensitive subject. One that was a good question based on a slight flicker of the eye from Nils. From the limited knowledge Ike remembered or knew, he paused before answering. He remembered those who he heard laguz speak of with disdain, one of his best friends.
"Supposedly no, you can only have children with a closely related laguz or so I hear... but humans or beorc as they are called in my homeland, they can have kids with any of the laguz tribes..." It was then that Ike shook his head out of sadness for Soren's situation. "But they aren't accepted so to say... laguz call them 'parentless', and beorcs tend to also hate them... I know people who are one of them, he's one of my best friends, too."
Canas and Nils gave a curious look to Ike, the latter more confused by Ike's words. By that logic, he and his sister would be hated by both humans and the laguz in Tellius. Florina also frowned and pondered who among Ike's friends was mentioned in Tellius. She realized an inkling of who it may have been. Among the people in his father's company, his best friend was Soren.
"The parent laguz lose the ability to transform and the kid they have with a beorc get a certain mark, a brand. They're called branded but some call them abominations of the Goddess, and a lot of other bad stuff. They can't transform into animals, but I hear they have better talents than most humans..." Ike explained with a somewhat sullen expression. He soon muttered that only Nils caught on to what he said: "I never realized how much he suffered... I still hope he forgave me..."
If Yune could speak to Ike, she would say the notion was absolutely rubbish. She never heard of branded, nor would she or even her counterpart would condemn their existence.
Florina held a sad expression, realizing Ike's friend Soren was one of them. However, Canas remained intrigued but also somewhat empathetic, somewhat comparable to the stigma associated especially with elder magic, also called dark magic.
"It sounds fascinating, I hope to document more on the matter once I come to your homeland," Canas then stood up, intending to go off and write down what was mentioned by Ike.
"By the way, Commander Ike," Canas called out, right before he left the campfire. "What are your thoughts on the branded? After having known your friend?"
It was then that Ike smiled at Canas. What Ike says next would end up forever being ingrained into Yune's mind.
"My friend is talented in magic. If laguz transform to signify their strength, and they lose it to bless their kid, then it's up to the children to use their blessings to be their strength. I know he'll become a strong magic user and someone who any parent should be proud of, regardless of whether they were laguz or beorc."
Ike ate at the table vigorously. This time, the stew was made with extra meat. Alongside it was spicy meat dishes, everything Ike craved.
Lowen took the initiative to bring another plate of ribs and steak to Ike. Merlinus was seen in the background preparing some sort of dessert (not that Ike was going to partake in it)
"There's plenty, Ike. Please enjoy as much as you like," Lowen reassured the commander.
"What's the occasion?" Ike asked as he continued shoveling down his food.
"For a job well done, and bringing back one of the best knights in Pherae," Lowen replied with gratitude in his tone. "Before my father became a cook for the previous Marquesses, we lived in a village far away from Pherae. But Lord Harken took notice and fought for us against bandits. He inspired me to become a valiant knight like him, helping those where most lords and their knights do not reach."
So he was like Oscar in that regard. Aside from the fact that both men's eyes could not be seen as well as being good cooks, Ike was reminded of the eldest brother who was a former knight. Oscar chose to remain a mercenary for a similar reason.
"You didn't need to do all of this out of gratitude. I'm sure Harken would have come back eventually. Also, you remind me of Oscar. He was a former knight cavalier but chose to remain a mercenary to help those like you. Mercenaries who are in the thick of the action to aid people that knights can't always reach..." Ike looked at Lowen, who he could tell was listening intently. "I suppose you and him both reach for the same ideal."
Lowen nodded and smiled. "I hope you and your friend do well in your endeavors." With that, he left Ike to assist Merlinus.
Ike had already finished his plate and was about to turn in for the night until he saw Marcus and Isadora approaching him. An appreciative expression was evident on Marcus's face.
"We thank you, for finding Harken. We were all in grief over his absence like Lord Elbert," Marcus voiced his gratitude to Ike, to which Ike shook his head.
He did not believe he should be thanked for coming across the man.
"I assume he told you the truth. I hope none of you are too mad at him. He had his reasons to make up for the loss of Elbert," Ike explained. Marcus looked to Isadora who turned away for a moment before facing Ike.
Right, she was betrothed to Harken. When he hadn't returned after his ordeal, she assumed the worst.
"I'm still livid..." Isadora voiced out, surprising the pair who heard her. "He promised me he would return after he left with Lord Elbert... Even now, I'm scared he would commit the same mistake and leave me once more..."
"Isadora..." Marcus voiced out.
He was being empathetic to her, which was surprising given his stern nature as a knight. Seeing his colleague grieve over her lover's disappearance made him all the more considerate.
"I'm sure he knew what he was doing when not reporting back to you all," Ike pointed out, bringing the pair's attention to him. "Lord Elbert was beloved by you all, he felt that because of that, he couldn't face you again until he accomplished something. He thought that he wasn't worthy of being a knight or finishing the promise he made to you until he took down Nergal. He never intended to make any of you upset at him."
"Still..." Isadora voiced her grief to the two. "When I thought he died, I felt regret of not being able to see him. How I thought of dying beside him would be much better than living without him..."
Marcus stood flabbergasted over her thoughts. He knew she was in agony since their lord and Harken left that day. Marcus was about to reprimand her for thinking in such a way, only to halt when Ike stepped forward.
"You're right, you can drill it into his head for not following protocol later," Ike's response surprised the pair of Pheraen knights. "After all, he did the reverse of his priorities by trying to fight on his own instead of reporting back to his loved ones. He should have never left all of you alone for so long. With that in mind, you are justified in being mad at him."
"Wha-" She voiced out but Ike continued.
"It's all the more reason why he needs to make it up to you, his loved one. It wasn't right for him to not contact you, so he needs to do his best to redeem himself by fighting alongside you all. That's the best way to regain his honor while being with everyone every step of the way." Ike concluded, having Marcus nod at the mercenary leader.
Isadora was still unsure of herself but shook her head. "He promised me he would return unharmed. When he would come back to Pherae, we would be wed. I dread that promise will never come to pass."
Ike shook his head at her last sentence. "He's here and alive. Alongside the finest retainers from Pherae and Ostia. None of you will die. You'll return home to see yourselves and your lord with victory on your shoulders."
If Harken wanted to reassure his colleagues and lover, he needed to be there when they needed him. It was better late than never when he came back to the Pheraen knights.
Isadora paused for a brief moment before nodding with a tearful smile. Her tears fell out of joy rather than sadness.
"Y-you're right. All the more reason I cannot keep my eyes off of him when we go into battle..." Isadora confirmed with a crack in her voice as she spoke.
Unbeknownst to the trio, the blonde knight stood from a distance. Ashamed yet determined to right his wrongs. And to carry out the promise he made to the woman he loved with his entire heart.
"I will make it up to you, Isadora, my beloved. For everyone, I will stand and protect my fellow knights and lord."
Hawkeye stood away from the camp as if he was in deep thought. He faced the East, where Nabata Desert lies.
"Hawkeye," Ike's voice called out to the desert guardian.
"Ike," Hawkeye responded. "Is something the matter?"
"You didn't come to eat. Merlinus and Lowen already prepared food for everyone," Ike pointed out to the man. "Louise and Pent were a bit worried about you."
As Ike was about to leave for the night, he was stopped by the Reglay couple. They were worried he wasn't going to eat.
It was surprising considering how Pent is so focused on magical studies that he forgets to eat sometimes. Skipping meals to learn was more Erk and Pent's habit (and maybe Canas's). So having the couple worry about him was concerning.
"My apologies for worrying you all..." Hawkeye once again turned to the direction of Nabata Desert. "I was wondering if Fae was playing with my daughter, Igrene."
Ike remembered he had a daughter. He was curious to know more about the desert guardian.
"She's gifted in archery... Louise had just gotten one bow as a gift for her," Hawkeye held a slight smile as he suddenly brought out a necklace. "Louise rejected delivering this necklace that belonged to my wife... I know my daughter will succeed me as guardian, so I will entrust it to her in person. I am her father, but my end draws near. So I will see her before my destiny is fulfilled."
Ike realized Hawkeye was referencing the inevitable. Did he believe he would die soon?
"It's best to worry about the inevitable another day. Focus on returning to your family. You have a long life ahead of you to watch her become a strong warrior of the desert." Ike responded.
It was better to think about having grandchildren, growing old, being watched by one's descendants succeeding you. Hawkeye looked far too young to be dying.
Hawkeye shook his head in response. "The keep of the desert must be comfortable with solitude. The guardian must find peace in it. I know that my time draws near..."
Solitude... something that Ike knew was for the safety of the dragons of this era. Fae wanted to know more about the outside world and to play with others.
"Does Arcadia always have to remain in hiding? Seems kind of lonely for Fae and a lot of people..." Ike remarked, to which Hawkeye nodded sadly.
"Until the day humanity can once again accept dragons, we remain in our sanctuary. It will come. I am sure of it..." Hawkeye assured Ike. He then gave a smile to the hopeful mercenary commander. "I may not hold prophetic powers like Sophia, but I believe one such as yourself will contribute to creating an equal world. With such conviction and beliefs, you will gain many companions."
So he may have overheard Ike's conversation with Canas and the others. But Ike did not mind. It was something to be shared for understanding Tellius.
"One day, I'll try to visit your village. I'll be sure to share all sorts of things with Fae and the people there."
Just as Ike was finally ready to enter his tent, he saw a pair in the distance. Eliwood and Ninian were together, with the latter being embraced by the former while crying. It seems like they were too caught up in their little world to notice Ike and his quarters.
'Does she...?' Ike thought to himself. Did Ninian love Eliwood despite Nergal's actions towards his father? Although he kept the matter to himself aside from Athos, it would be difficult for them to share their true nature. As well as the fact that Nergal was their father.
"Are you watching them too?" A feminine voice called from behind him. Ike turned to see Lyn, likely watching the couple from a distance.
"This is my tent, Lyn. Why are you spying on them?" Ike asked to which Lyn fumbled to respond.
"I-I j-just want to make sure they were alright, that's all..." Lyn stammered to which Ike snorted.
He wasn't prying on her habit. He did stumble onto the couple in the distance so Ike felt he was no better.
Ike gestured to move into a more secluded area to speak. At least to avoid interrupting the couple in their moment. Lyn nodded and walked with Ike into the woods to avoid being spotted by Eliwood and Ninian. An awkward silence permeated between the two before speaking.
"So, I hear you've improved a lot since we've separated. Did you train while I was gone?" Ike queried to Lyn, who shook her head.
"I barely did anything when we separated. Erk was the one who managed to speak with Murdock..." She held a sullen expression as she spoke as if feeling guilty with the boy in front of her. "When I heard you and everyone that went with you had to fight over a hundred men with wyverns, I was scared. I wished I was by your side at that time."
Ike nodded his head in agreement, surprising Lyn. "I should have asked for more archers. It was a tough fight by ourselves. Had Harken and Geitz not arrived, the villagers may have been in danger. It was my fault and had none of you lent Florina and Fiora, those wyvern riders would have laid waste to the villages. I'm sorry for the lack of preparation with everyone."
Everyone had to deal with a painful battle because he did not prepare more troops in the end. Reinforcements were the only reason why no casualties had occurred on civilians.
Lyn snapped out of her stupor to shake her head. "I'm just glad everyone was safe, Ike. That's all that matters..." She then gave a proud smile to the admirable mercenary commander in front of her. "I want to be stronger to protect my friends and family. Including you..."
She then took Ike's hand and gave a determined look to the boy she loved. The one person she found one year ago to inspire her and give her strength.
"I consider you family, Ike," Causing Ike's eyes to widen at her statement. "That's why, I want to be by your side in the Greil Mercenaries. It was painful not fighting alongside you. So when you leave... take me with you."
Lyn wanted to leave with Ike to Tellius. Her request shocked Ike leaving him stunned for a moment. He finally snapped out of his stupor giving a concerned look towards Lyn.
"Lyn... what about your grandfather? What about Caelin? Are you going to leave your duties behind just to be in our company?" Ike prodded to Lyn, who just smiled at him.
"Grandfather would understand. He's learned from my mother and father. Besides," Lyn grasped Ike's hand tightly as she looked into his cerulean eyes with her emerald eyes. "We made that agreement a year ago. Where I'll be your peerless warrior and you be my commander? I was already a part of the Greil Mercenaries since that day, so I don't want to be left behind... Not only that, I..."
Her cheeks flushed as the words were stuck in her throat. She looked down for a moment as she trembled to gain confidence. Gaining her resolve, she finally looked up at the man she was proud of and gave the warmest smile that made her loved one's heart skip a beat.
"I-I love you, Ike."
Ike's mouth gaped open slightly, and he was stupefied by Lyn's confession. She loved him. It was true, he somewhat had an inkling of her affections and reciprocated it to some extent. He also held off his feelings since she had her duties and they were separated by continents (in which the gap widened with it being different worlds to be exact). But to go as far as being determined to follow him to his homeland and to be with him...
"Are you sure, Lyn?" He grasped her shoulders from both ends, to which she nodded with the best smile he'd seen from Lyn thus far.
"Yes. That's why I want you to rely on me, to confide in me. Being a noble doesn't suit me, but a life by your side as a family will be nice. That's why..." She hugged Ike the next moment as she trailed off her words. "We'll protect each other. I swear with Father Sky as my witness and to Mother Earth to keep my promise until I return to her embrace. Trust in me, Ike."
Ike stood silent in her embrace for a moment. Guilt ate away at his heart for keeping secrets from her. He felt she knew that he was hiding something from her, which prompted her to go this far to have her reassure his trust in her. He knew from this moment, he had to tell her everything.
Ike pulled Lyn back from her embrace, holding her shoulders once more. She was about to tear up thinking he rejected her... until she heard his next words.
"As the leader of the Greil Mercenaries in Elibe, and as the one who loves you, I accept. I trust in you wholeheartedly, Lyn of the Lorca tribe..." With that, Ike's lips met with Lyn's. Lyn's eyes widened for a moment before accepting it. They enveloped each other in one another's embrace under the moonlight that very night.
Jahn's Musings in Tellius Part 1
Dheginsea sat pondering on his newest guests, supposedly new variants of their kind. One was currently recovering and in a coma while the other was perusing their library... At the very least, the standard script and the common tongue remain a constant in their land. In fact, Dheginsea was present in the library with the so-called "fire dragon", Jahn.
"Intriguing. So laguz also includes animals from beasts, to birds, and our race... I'd like to meet them," Jahn remarked, to which Dheginsea shook his head.
"Only when they are invited of which needs to be approved..."
And by approval, he needs to allow the laguz kings and their retainers to gain permission from him for entry. All of which would be up to the Goldoan King's discretion.
"Laguz have a relatively long longevity compared to most humans or beorc as you call them..." Jahn cupped his chin as he trailed off his words. "And the lifespan of our species has reduced to just a millennia... I'm a bit concerned."
Jahn's remark earned Dheginsea a sigh against his guest. Even he was dumbfounded by Fae's real age being older than his son, Kurthnaga. Despite that, he still gave a warm gaze to the child, reminiscing the times when the young dragons roamed the Goldoan plains.
Even Jahn's age surprised Dheginsea, making him wonder if he was blessed by Ashera, Yune, or if it all was some sort of lie by the man. He couldn't have been estimated to have been part of the era when Ashunera was still whole.
Jahn insisted that he, Fae, and the "Demon Dragon" Idunn were from the same place. He even heard a comment from the fire dragon who wondered if he wandered into another era until he saw a map, which then made him ponder if everyone stumbled into another continent.
"I suppose I have several theories, but I'll keep them to myself... so you avoid conflict with humans to avoid a continent-wide war? All to prevent some dark god awakening that flooded the world except Tellius, correct?" Jahn inquired to which Dheginsea nodded. It was then Jahn snorted to which Dheginsea narrowed his eyes. "It's unavoidable. Such conflict is bound to erupt. No matter what you do, the difference between humans and dragons is too wide, especially with laguz included. What I've seen thus far is just one bad fire breath away from igniting a mountain of kindling. The majority of the human or beorc nations hardly acknowledge the laguz as well as the fact the single supposed laguz-friendly nation has seldomly had laguz live within their borders and vice versa. I bet the majority of the humans living there hold fear towards laguz."
Jahn was not incorrect in his assessment. From what he had collected in information within the short time as well as documentation of the history of relations between laguz and beorc, his conclusion was accurate. Laguz and beorc relations were likely never to improve... especially within the next two centuries... It will be far from the ideal of Ashera... The inhabitants of Tellius were just waiting to die if they did not change their ways. He wanted to save the world, but in the end, he and his former comrades' efforts to prevent conflict may have exacerbated the continent's destruction.
Dheginsea stood silent in the face of Jahn's conclusion. He did not deny nor accept his assessment that was made within a day of reading the collection of books and historical documents.
"Moreover..." Jahn's pupils turned into slits as he stared into Dheginsea's neutral expression. "I sense it... your anger... it is the same emotion that I saw in some of my brethren when they've lost their young. An emotion of frustration that I can understand of those who have lost their brood since it deprives them of their lineage continuing. I assume it was humans that took your spawns...?"
Dheginsea's twitch of the eye made Jahn confirm his suspicions. He shrugged off the hostile gaze from the Goldoan Dragon King. Jahn wasn't going to push his luck that far when he was still a guest.
"I do not need to fan or ignite the flames of war with my own breath. Just know... there will be a day when there will be a fight for the survival of our species. It will most likely be against humans or beorc. But not to worry, I will assist in the preservation of our species in the end..." Jahn reassured Dheginsea who remained with a neutral expression.
Jahn left the library, leaving Dheginsea to his own thoughts. If only he could deny what Jahn had spoken...
Jahn walked to see the quarters where Idunn was held. Seeing the spiky-haired attendant in front of him, Jahn shrugged off the intimidating look from Gareth. He knew the man's raw strength could beat the Goldoan King by only a small margin. But every intelligent being should understand that strength alone does not decide the war. Jahn knew that much. He wasn't going to face a losing battle.
"His Highness is with Fae tending to our Lady Idunn" Gareth explained while not willing to let the latest guest pass.
His comments earned a slight apprehension from attendants and even the prince himself. So he was prohibited from being in the same vicinity as Fae and Idunn without a formal clarification or meeting.
Jahn knew there was something more than just courtesy displayed by Prince Kurthnaga. Did he become infatuated with the Demon Dragon? Based on the look he held towards the former divine dragon, it was of one who sought a mate. The thought made Jahn chuckle.
'Unfortunately, young prince, try as you might, her heart and soul were shattered by our kind. There was no pleasure in doing so, we only sought to survive and prevail against humanity.' Jahn thought to himself as he left the vicinity.
The emotions Kurthnaga held... He wondered if laguz emotions were more in line with humans. However, Idunn did not have the capacity to hold emotions or to properly respond to the affections of others. Jahn felt such actions were futile as he walked off.
Meanwhile, a little girl and a young prince sat excitedly as they watched the woman awaken. She held an emotionless expression, but her eyes held wonder towards everything she saw... She saw Fae and Kurthnaga smile at her, and a warm feeling filled her heart.
AN: To Guest:
"Isn't the sword actually cursed and that's why he killed his family?"
It's a bit ambiguous. It's described that Karel went about almost possessed by the blade and family tradition to cut down people and his family. He supposedly held a lot of importance in the way of the sword based on the support. Either way, when he regained clarity/enlightenment, it was too late and Karla was dying or already dead by that point.
"Just wondering...how would all of Elibe react if any Bird or Beast-tribe Laguz ever end up in their land?"
Unless you were in Arcadia, it is less likely for them to be accepted in Elibe without a major event to have them work and understand one another. They would fear their strength, appearance, and many other issues that would stem from a sense of prejudice built up by beorc that history may repeat itself in Elibe, just not in Tellius. In other words, people can get into conflict or fear over the most trivial of matters.
"Also just a thought, but I'm sure the Goldoans won't be happy to find out what they did to Idunn…"
I'm pretty sure any laguz or tolerant beorc/human would be horrified. But Jahn and his brethren at the time focused on their own survival. And that meant turning their own kind into a artificial dragon-spawning machine. Difference between madmen like Izuka and Jahn is that the latter did appalling actions to protect his own. It was do or die at the time. Izuka on the other hand is just an utter degenerate. Whether people accept such an answer is up to them if they found out, and it would be less likely for Jahn to come into physical conflict with the laguz cast over this matter.