Interlude ~Base Convos Part 13~
"So... we buried the last of them?" Ike asked.
"Yes..." Rath replied. "Whoever surrendered gave us the names of whom died so at least their names were recorded on their graves."
They went straight to burying their enemies. Although they attacked them, it was customary to at least avoid having most of them become a nameless corpse. All they did was follow the orders of a delusional lord. The dead deserved some sort of respect.
They buried the dead and treated the wounds of the remaining Caelin soldiers.
"Moreover," Ike turned to Rath, "It appears Anna came from Badon on a merchant caravan. She confiscated the weapons of the enemy after notifying us, taking away some of the gold from the total. She's already left."
Ike was surprised she arrived. Although it would have been preferred she stayed to allow Ike to purchase some of her wares.
"But not before leaving us these." Rath held out two scrolls and a brown book with a yellow thunder symbol. "She mentioned it being a Elthunder tome, the thunder equivalent to an Elfire tome. But the price is about 3,900 from now on..."
Indeed. It saved them from having to go to Badon. Something to give to Erk.
"Thanks. We should get prepared for whatever comes." Ike spoke with a concerned tone to Rath, who nodded.
"Erk." Ike called out him in the study. Erk turned to Ike as he was in the middle of organizing his supplies.
"Ike, do you need anything?" To which Ike shook his head. Bringing out the Elthunder tome which brought out a fascinated expression upon Erk.
"This is for you, you'll be able to make better work with it." Ike explained. "An Elthunder tome as opposed to an Elfire tome."
A smile crept up on Erk, who was all the more eager to study its contents. His adoptive father would be just as eager to learn its secrets.
"Ike... thank you. Deciphering these tomes is difficult, yet rewarding. The esoteric language written in these tomes differ greatly from our own. Yet it gives a deeper depth to the elements that are part of Anima magic." Erk explained. With far more enthusiasm than his withdrawn self. To which Ike raised an eyebrow.
"So you figured out the affinity of Anima magic in Tellius as opposed to Elibe?" Ike asked. To which Erk nodded.
"Yes. If I had to explain the full difference between Tellius and Elibe's anima magic system, it would be Tellius putting more emphasis on the individual elements of nature like you mentioned, while Elibe is more all-encompassing." Erk put his hand on his chin as he continued. "Our tomes only go as far as to utilize nature focusing more on hierarchy with the Fimbulvetr ice spell being the highest graded tome in the land outside of perhaps a legendary weapon. But yours holds a different classification, all with different paths in mind to which I hope Lord Pent and I could study further."
So they really liked the tomes. Ike was glad to give them things they held in high regard. He was happy to buy more tomes for them despite it being pricy.
Ike smiled and replied: "In that case, I'll ask for Anna if she could sell us the Tellius versions of the tomes that already exist here. You'll be able to understand affinities better with more tomes, right?"
"Thank you, I would be most grateful." Erk nodded to Ike. "Please, take it out of my salary if you must. Should any other mage wish to study Tellius's tomes, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the language written. It will take some time to study the contents of the tomes and their formulas but it would be rewarding endeavor for the path of knowledge."
Ike then chuckled and shook his head: "With that much effort for others to learn, I think you should be well-paid." His expression soon transitioned to a serious one, "Make sure to rest, you'll need all the energy to conserve until Laus is completely defeated."
Erk nodded putting away his new tome: "Of course."
Guy took to sharpening his blade on a whetstone, hoping to maintain its sharp edge. Doing so near the training grounds. As he noticed Ike, he opened his mouth to voice himself.
"Boss!" Guy called out.
Ike turned to Guy. Just the man he was looking for.
"Guy, how are your wounds?" To which Guy gave a bright smile.
"All good thanks to Priscilla!" Guy exclaimed. "She really helped out me and her brother. We were twice as motivated knowing she was by our side, healing us. That's why Raven and I was all the more eager to make sure she was safe."
Ike was glad there was still camaraderie amongst his men. Beyond Raven's protective feelings for Priscilla, he was willing to work alongside Guy to ensure her safety. Just as Ike was ready to head off after confirming the state of Guy, he halted upon the latter's next words.
"You know, I'm suddenly reminded back in my tribe..." Ike turned to Guy upon his words. "Our chief is known as the Grey or Ash Wolf, Dayan. He's the one who told me I had a good sword arm even after I was n-no good in archery."
Well this was new, mentioning Rath's supposed father. They didn't mention this during their work together. Ike's attention went to Guy who began his story.
"I still remember his words...'The light of day and the darkness of night that engulfs this land... They produce wind, lightning, fire, ice, and many other affinities... Every person on this planet is protected by one of the elements.' He said I have the Fire affinity while the chief had the Anima affinity." Guy noted as Ike pondered upon his own affinity. "He mentioned their effects will only appear through bonds with other people. When your heart is linked with someone else's... That is when the elements: fire, ice, wind, thunder, light, dark and Anima. They reveal their true power through bonds. Somehow, I wonder if that's the feeling I've gotten since working with everyone."
Ike held his chin, pondering about Guy's words. Certainly, whenever he fought alongside others he's bonded with, he felt stronger, more agile, and focused. But the list of elements slightly differed from Tellius. His father, Greil, once went over such ideas at least once.
This time, he responded to Guy's claim: "I have the earth affinity," to which Guy raised his brows in surprise, "and in Tellius... Ice seems to be replaced by water, an element my sister holds, and my element, earth, along with one last affinity, heaven, seems to be added. They are more based around being counterparts to one other element as far as my father explained. Like earth to heaven, light and darkness."
All have different specialties it seemed, and if his speculation was correct, mimicked the ideas that bonds would affect an individual's bond with them. Soren also held a dark affinity if he remember correctly.
"That's strange..." Guy trailed off but continued: "I guess the world is a wider place with a continent like yours, boss."
He supposed so, Tellius and Elibe had very different approaches and interpretations to their magic and affinity thus far. Maybe nature of both continents were so different.
"You know, I don't regret ever joining your company, boss." Ike turned to Guy upon being interrupted from his thoughts. "B-because of you, I got alot stronger with new skills. Not to mention you pay and feed us."
Ike only shook his head and smiled: "You already repaid your debt to us more than enough since that day, Guy. You are no longer obligated to remain with us. But..." Looking into Guy's green eyes as he trailed off, he continued: "I would be all the more grateful if you continue working under my command."
That oath no longer mattered to Ike, for Guy's past contribution over the year was enough in his eyes. Without Guy, their group wouldn't have achieved much without his swordplay. And Ike would barely have progress on his own swordsmanship.
In any event, without the help of everyone in his company, all with their own way of contributing to the group. From Rath's archery skills on horseback, to Raven's own practical mindset and watchful eye of the group, and finally, Lucius's skills as a mage and assistant to Ike's fund allocation. They were all deserving of praise. At any rate, Ike was grateful to all of them, having capable comrades and friends by his side.
Guy gave a grin in response, and spoke: "No problem, Commander Ike! Ready to receive your orders!"
Ike noticed Priscilla quickly walking off within the hallway, away from the direction of the study. She passed by Ike without paying him any mind.
"Priscilla?" Ike called out.
She turned to look at him, "Oh... commander. I'm sorry for going off without greeting you..."
She apologized and bowed to him for her discourtesy. But Ike only raised his hand to stop her. He didn't mind at all.
"It doesn't matter... were you in a hurry?" Ike asked. To which she shook her head.
"No... it's just... oh... I must apologize to Lucius." She voiced out. Holding a guilty expression as she spoke.
"Did... you get into an argument?" He asked.
Was this about keeping her in the dark about House Cornwell or her brother? Lucius had no intentions to offend her for keeping her unaware upon Erk's return to Etruria. Raven nor Lucius wanted her to worry over her old family.
"It's just... it was a fit of jealousy..." Ike raised his brows at her admittance. "Standing beside my brother after I left... staying with him after the fall of House Cornwell... he had about ten years with him while I only had six. His beauty..."
That last part... didn't earn Lucius any favor. None whatsoever. He was a man after all.
She continued on as she spoke: "I made a thoughtless remark how his beauty may have earned the affections of few lords..."
Oh... now Ike thought about it, Lucius may or may not have caught the eye of alot of people during their work across Lycia and Bern. Sometimes even the male nobles. It certainly earned him enough scorn from women... until he or others had to tell them all he's a man. Then more than half of said women started acting like Serra. They did not stick around for long after that.
"It sure didn't earn any favors while we traveled together..." Ike trailed off.
Wait... no, sometimes the nobles and leaders did try to pay a bit more after their work, just keep quiet of what they did. In some way, the source of Lucius's distress ended up profiting the group more, to which Ike had to kindly decline just out of courtesy. Now looking at it, Priscilla's concern may had to do with the absurd thought that Raven may be enraptured of Lucius's appearance especially over the years they've accompanied one another.
"So you were so jealous... that you believed Lucius took Raven away from you for ten years while capturing him with his beauty?" Ike asked wondering what he managed to even conclude from what Priscilla spoke about.
"That's... not an inaccurate way of putting it..." Priscilla voiced out in a slightly nervous tone.
Ike shook his head and replied: "Lucius is a very forgiving person. If you apologize, he'd forgive you. He's very lenient in that regard."
"But still... I offended him. My lord brother's friend. I'm afraid of being a burden to Raymond..." She voiced out, slightly depressed.
Most of all, she was afraid of disappointing her beloved brother. This was a conundrum in of itself. Ike shook off her feelings of doubt.
"I doubt your brother would abandon you after this. He went that far in Laus just to break you out." Ike pointed out. "No matter what... he's your brother. He loves you and cares for you to protect you from anything."
Priscilla still held her doubts despite what Ike spoke: "How can you say that? How do you stay so confident after working with my brother for just a year while I only had six and Lucius a decade?"
Oh... she didn't know. Erk might have not mentioned to her about his sister. Just likely general information about Ike and his father's company in Tellius along with the journey to Caelin.
"Because I have a sister of my own." Ike announced. Priscilla's attention immediately went towards him. "Her name is Mist, she should be 14 now. I ended up in Elibe one day found by Lyn about a year ago. As you know, I'm still working to pay for an expedition to Tellius. I'm still a long way, but I miss her just like the rest of my family back in Tellius."
Priscilla stood silent at Ike's explanation of his sister. While she was scared she might fall under the scrutiny of her brother, another part of her believed in Ike. As Ike pondered as he spoke, he suddenly remembered. Understanding Raven's protective instincts as a brother, made Ike unlock another part of his memories.
'Of course... how could I forget?' Ike thought to himself. When they lived in Gallia, and there was no one to help nurse Mist when she was sick, he took it upon himself to nurse his little sister back to health. Their parents couldn't present at the time in the house, just to help their beloved daughter.
"It reminds me, I remember when I was so young, my little sister caught a bad fever. I needed her to drink as much water just to have her recover. She couldn't move well, so I had to bring her water myself." Ike turned to Priscilla who stood to listen to every part of her story. "It's the same with Raven."
Even if they caused more work for one another, they were still family. It's not as if no one ever causes trouble or hardship onto others.
"The others told me of the situation, he recognized you the moment he saw you. Even after a decade, he never forgot you. He couldn't leave you after what Darin and his men did. He might not show it, but he still loves you no matter what. Have faith in your brother. Even if we disappoint one another or cause each other trouble, we all traveled that path." Ike smiled at Priscilla, who was now sporting a slight smile, having her spirits raised.
"Besides, Raven has his hands full with Lucius at his side. Having you trouble him would barely even amount to how much Lucius makes Raven tired or so he says. I still remember how he said to Lucius, 'I don't need a bride or to marry! I already have you here to jabber at me!' Or something to that effect." Ike recalled with a teasing grin.
Priscilla closed her eyes and giggled. Even though her brother promised to marry her when she was little. But it hardly sparked her jealousy now, given how it was just a childish promise at the time. But... she only hopes that he still remembers that promise. Just to know he still remembers their childhood, no matter how short it was.
"So make amends, we all trouble each other in our own way. It's part of life, to our friends, and to our families. It's all the more reason to accept it with flaws and all." He explained with a smile.
She nodded to him, smiling much more than before. Possibly the most happiest than she's ever been for the past decade. She was with her beloved brother and fighting alongside him, after all.
"Thank you, Ike. I will." Nodding happily to Ike as she spoke.
Unbeknownst to the pair, Raven stood at the side to the entrance of the hallway. Musing over their conversation. He frowned near the end when Ike recalled his complaint to Lucius. Regardless, he didn't mind much, only reminiscing that childish promise he made to Priscilla. But it revealed that their bond was never severed. To him, he will always be reminded of the little sister who happily held his hand, and the anguish he felt upon their parents sending her away. Although he might not show it, he never forgot her, even once.
AN: The event with Mist did happen, in a conversation with Mist that was meant to played out in a voice drama in Expo II back in 2020 (canceled at the time).