Epilogue Part 5 (End)
"So they want to go out and drink with a bunch of Laguz...? That's why they're going on an expedition?" Ike repeated with uncertainty of what to come of this entire debacle to Legault in his quarters. The Davros pirate crew was being very audacious when it came to their intentions. They announced it to the entire port and it would likely spill over to other parts of Crimea.
Not only that, holding the same copies of the book Ike had in his hand to give to the Laguz nation royals was likely to offend them. Athos and the fellow elders of Arcadia were the ones responsible for making the book while Anna was the one who made copies of them. The idea of a group of old men watching the perspective of a young girl interacting with various people and then making a sketchbook out of it in hindsight was rather strange, disturbing, and somewhat intrusive...
While Ike scratched his head, Legault merely shrugged to himself over the events that unfolded. He already gave the message to Fargus and relayed the announcement back to Ike.
Ike immediately knew their intentions to make themselves known and drink with all the Laguz nation was entirely pure. The idea of drinking with every Laguz royal across Tellius, especially a Beorc is nigh impossible. Especially with a Beorc/human pirate...
"I'm just concerned that our escorts will no longer be around to transport us back to Elibe... At the very least, Anna and Jake are still around so I suppose everything will still be fine..." Legault replied in a carefree tone. Ike gave a blank look at the scarred assassin and shook his head while sighing to himself.
"That's not the point. I need to speak with King Caineghis so they won't get torn apart by the other tribes..." Ike also turned to the page listing Gallia's king. Even after a decade of not seeing the Beast King, Ike found that the man had not changed since then. Legault gave a slight whistle at the visage of the impressive proud figure with hair like a lion's mane (which is accurate to his type of species). "I have a feeling Fargus and his retainers might get along (emphasis on 'might') or at the very least, won't get treated with hostility the moment they enter Gallian soil."
The pair looked at a map of Tellius and Ike's finger lingered where Tatana was. If the Davros sail to Gallia, they would likely disembark from there. Then his finger hovered over where the company's base of operations was. If Ike and some of the members along with Sophia traveled South to the Gallian capital, Zarzi, he would be able to be granted an audience with the Beast King.
Ike cupped his chin contemplating on what to do. Canas, Erk, Sophia, Nino, Fiora, Soren, Jaffar, Priscilla (for studying), and Raven (to organize some of the group's mercenary activities while Lucius would remain as extra healing support for the company) were ready to enter Melior tomorrow. It was too premature to decide to march into the Laguz territories even if he was welcomed into Gallia. He didn't want to hinder their studies or cause them to be unprepared.
"Ha... You don't think you or Anna can arrange contact with Caineghis... do you?" Ike queried to Legault who cupped his chin and then shook his head.
"We just started in Crimea. I don't believe we can do business in any Laguz countries as of yet, let alone be sanctioned. And I don't think I can deliver a message in another nation without getting a stink-eye from Gallia's sentries," Legault explained to Ike who nodded in understanding. "Besides, I'd rather avoid offending animal people, I already have Lloyd and Linus for that... By the way, are there dog or wolf Laguz out there?"
Legault's last question left Ike to raise an eyebrow and cup his chin in thought. From what he knew about beast Laguz, he didn't believe they existed. Legault shrugged to himself and left the question on an open note.
For now, Ike decided to hold off on entering Gallian territory. Everyone was still adjusting to their new environment. He had to hold faith that Fargus could win the Laguz over with his charisma (which would be a very difficult feat against the bird and dragon tribe Laguz from what he knows).
"Well, I'll speak with my father. I heard he had been in talks with King Caineghis since my disappearance. Maybe he could give a message to prepare for the Davros to enter their land. And maybe the other Laguz countries..." Ike scratched his head as he stared at the copy of the book. It held invaluable information about the various Laguz Fae had met. "I wonder why these things would be distributed to the Laguz royals. I doubt they'd appreciate it knowing Athos and Arcadia's elders kinda spied on them..."
Legault shrugged at Ike's statement. He wasn't going to be responsible for things he didn't spy on...
"Don't know, Athos gave the original to Anna to give to you and make copies of them to give to the other royals. A good way to sour introductions if you ask me..." Legault pointed out in a carefree tone.
Jake was also one to immediately point out Dart and Fargus's plans ahead of everyone, knowing they would likely want to explore and do the unthinkable. This led Anna to create copies of the sketch and descriptions given by Athos along with many other things at a fast pace...
Since the Davros were going ahead to the other Laguz countries, the books were safely delivered into Ike and Fargus's hands. It was only a matter of giving the books to the other countries.
"What is Athos thinking...?" Ike muttered as he continued to stare at the book.
Why he did want to give such a revealing thing to the people of the Laguz nations? Whatever the deceased Archsage intended was puzzling to everyone. All the instructions were to copy the contents onto more books and 'give them out of good faith'. Whatever the man intended before his passing, they may never know...
"Beats me. However, what astounded me was how much venom I heard from the townsfolk..." Ike's attention went to Legault who held a neutral expression. But his eyes told everything. "Right after the Davros left, the townsfolk immediately badmouthed them. Called them crazy for wanting to drink with 'sub-humans' and many other things. The things people would say behind your back when you aren't looking... even after you help them."
Legault sighed as Lloyd was also present to hear the whispers and laughter from the townsfolk against the Davros. It certainly disappointed the man and saddened him to such an extent. While it wouldn't break his conviction to help the common folk, it was difficult to deal with the fact that people were being narrow-minded against an entire race of people. Their notions of what is considered "sub-human" are very different...
Ike remained silent and closed his eyes. It was difficult to stop prejudice. Unless one manages to see the truth, people choose to be confined to their current world and not see what lies beyond, making people complacent as they fall under the illusion of thinking everything would be fine so long as they aren't involved. The same could be said for the rest of Elibe, as dragons are seen as terrifying beings of destruction instead of intelligent beings who wish to remain in the land they were born in just like any other person. History would have likely yielded similar results in Elibe if the Laguz were born there.
"Sorry..." Ike muttered to Legault to which the man in question shook his head.
"It's not your fault the world is so messed up. Not like ours is much different..." Legault replied to reassure the young mercenary. He suddenly mused on the matter of the Davros making a huge step towards human/Beorc relations as opposed to the rest of the continent. "At any rate, instead of thinking that the Davros would fail, think about if the Davros would prevail...?"
Ike paused on the matter before a grin crept up on him. He then chuckled to himself imagining such an outcome becoming reality. What a day that would be...
"If that's the case, then I hope we can all celebrate together when that day comes, regardless of who you are..."
Ike's jovial mood was heard as Greil was outside his quarters. Legault knew Ike's father was behind the door from the beginning. Greil slowly smiled at his son's perspective. He was becoming a fine lad by the moment... How they all grow...
While Greil mused to himself, Legault was suddenly reminded of something important.
"Oh right," Legault pulled out a blue vial. Ike remembered this was another thing that was given by Athos back in Nabata. "You put it away in the convoy, Anna believed you might want this back..."
Afa's drops. It was a magical item that would increase a person's natural abilities. A one-of-a-kind item that would bless a person's growth supposedly.
Ike pondered on who he should give it to... He thought about Mist until someone else came into his mind...
"I know who to give it to..."
"Oh my..." Fiora sighed while Florina was beside her worried in the mess hall. They read a letter from their sister delivered by Legault and quote:
Well, I hope we don't offend any birds, lions, cats, or dragons while we're out there. Dart and the Captain were very excited about drinking with all these kinds of species of people (can they even drink?). Maybe we should have brought Nils to smooth things over with the dragons... Nevermind. Dart also told me his plan to bury all kinds of stuff in each country to make some grand treasure riddle (how he'll manage to convince all the kings of each country, I have no idea). I know you two will do just fine. Watch out for lusty employers and nobles! For now, the Winged Mate of Davros's Suicide Squad, Farina, will soar proudly into Laguz territory. Wish me luck! Love you both!
P.S. The loot from pirates is quite bountiful. I just have to make sure Dart doesn't get any bright ideas about burying it all. I'll gladly offer him up as bird bait if he does that...
"What's wrong?" Oscar called out to the pair. Their attention went to the squinted-eyed eldest brother.
"Oh, our sister who became a pirate on the Davros... will sail to the Laguz nations," Florina meekly answered. Oscar's brows were raised wondering if he heard things right. "The crew wanted to go on a grand adventure to invite and drink with all the Laguz kings... Farina told us she might also bury some treasure with Dart, one of the mates on the ship."
Oscar was dumbfounded and tried clearing his throat to respond. However, it was clear it was very difficult to comment on a near-impossible feat. Oscar understood some nuances regarding Laguz and Beorc nations but to be ambitious to request an audience with every tribe's royals to share in libations...
Why did these pirates want to do such a thing in the first place? They didn't seem like the sort of people to do slave trading... But why go through such a journey just to drink with the Laguz royals of each nation?
"I heard about it too," Titania's voice resounded across the mess hall, bringing the trio's attention to her. "News traveled (from Greil's informants) from Port Toha of a suicidal pirate group wanting to drink with Laguz (people said 'sub-humans' in actuality). No wonder you all look worried... I can't even begin to comment on such a thing."
It made Titania and Greil shocked to hear that pirates would attempt the impossible that Crimea had hoped to achieve one day. It was slow progress, but progress nonetheless. But now the escorts of the new members of the company wanted to make such a thing a reality by barging into the Laguz territories.
If Shinon were to hear of it... not a word must be mentioned to him. Especially him...
"Ummm... Will they be OK?" Florina asked Titania who looked at Oscar for a moment before turning back to the pegasus knight siblings.
"The thing is... we could inform King Caineghis to not be hostile against the Davros as we have some history with the King of Gallia... but I can't speak for the other Laguz nations," Titania truthfully replied.
Goldoa, Phoenicis, and Kilvas were going to be difficult to convince to stay their hand. If the King of Gallia were to reach out to his fellow Laguz, they might let the crew leave safely out of their territory. They couldn't count on the kings to oblige to a banquet with the pirate crew...
"Please do. The Davros are not ones for people to be wary of... outside of ruthless merchants and other rival pirate groups (probably not including the bird-tribe corsairs)..." Fiora requested the former Crimean knight who nodded.
It was then that Oscar held his chin in thought. "I just realized..." Everyone looked at the former 12th regiment Crimean knight upon his words. "No doubt my former colleagues would have heard of this and relayed it to their superiors. If nobles connect their activities to you, then..."
It was likely they would be taken in for questioning. They must have heard reports of the Davros first arriving in Port Talma and then Port Toha. The people who left the ship were the newest members and mage scholars (not including Renault). Some nobles or higher-ups in the military could already be suspicious of the people from Elibe.
"When you arrive in Melior, I'd recommend keeping a watchful eye, Fiora," Oscar warned the eldest sister. "I know everyone from Elibe is not planning anything nefarious or anything like that. But I can't speak for those who don't know anything about all of you."
Florina looked worried for her eldest sister who smiled fondly at the young man. She bowed in gratitude to the pair of former Crimean Knights.
"We'll be just fine. We'll just prove our sincerity to the people of Crimea."
"Darn..." Rolf clicked his tongue in frustration after missing the target in which his arrow landed on another tree behind it. Shinon was beside him with a blank look shrugging to himself.
"Rely more on your elbow rather than your wrist..." Shinon pointed out.
"Huh, that's the same advice Rath gave me when he caught me firing arrows the other day..." Rolf remarked to which Shinon froze for a moment. "Oh, I didn't tell him, Uncle Shinon..."
Shinon sighed in relief. "You can take his advice as well. I admit, he's pretty good..." Shinon's mind flickers back to when he went "hunting" with the horseback archer.
"You don't talk very much, do you?" Shinon queried the Sacaen.
"Not as much as the others... even compared to other tribes in Sacae so I hear..." Rath affirmed while weaving through the forest with his horse.
They were in pursuit of a bandit that escaped. Shinon was suddenly reminded of Titania not too long ago when her horse got caught in an undergrowth. But it seems as though this archer and his horse would have no troubles. Their maneuvers would arguably be a nightmare for those not accustomed to combat in a dense forest. They could easily employ guerilla tactics on the spot and traverse past trees.
"I heard many of you are nobles, are you another blue blood like the rest of them...?" Shinon asked with a tinge of hostility in his tone.
Rath remained silent for a moment before responding: "Lyn was raised most of her life as a chieftain's daughter before her tribe fell to bandits... I am also a child of another tribe's chieftain..."
He didn't hear that bit during dinner. Still, a bandit attack... Not a good way to go for the rest of Ike's girlfriend's people. Maybe that's why she's become a mercenary... at least until he realized that they all came with a bunch of sea dogs. That made Shinon all the more suspicious to suspect that they were lying.
But still, living under what was akin to a village leader in this case was not something to be considered humble or modest living. At least until Shinon heard Rath's next statement...
"I've lived most of my life alone, however..." Shinon raised an eyebrow at that fact. Rath continued with a neutral expression, "I was only three when I left my tribe... other tribes scorned and laughed at me when I wandered alone with no means to survive..."
Shinon grimaced at such a thing. "Why the hell were you alone? Why didn't your fellow tribespeople take care of you? How did you survive...?" He prodded.
He was reluctant to believe Rath. How could a toddler survive on his own to adulthood?
"I was banished... I had to learn and become stronger through my own efforts... to prepare against a dark prophecy given by our diviner..." Rath soon became alert by rustling in the distance, ignoring the strange look given by Shinon. "There, Northeast, the enemy is on the run!"
Shinon ran after the nomad and his horse and eventually caught up with the bandit. But what Rath had professed that some voodoo fortune teller of his tribe essentially gave a dark prediction which led a toddler to live and survive on his own...
All he concluded was that these people were crazy... Just like how the braided-hair boy from the same tribe as Rath was also insane thinking he would become the best swordsman in the world...
But Shinon couldn't rest assured. Not with how the assassin (Jaffar) could be lurking around. He had a hunch that the brat (Ike) was planning something by hiring assassins and having them infiltrate the company. He already kept an eye out for the green-haired girl who was engaged to the cutthroat (believing her innocent act to be a ruse). He also suspected the brothers who went to Melior to be just as dangerous as Jaffar and their little sister.
Not to mention how a lot of the new members seem to be related to nobility... Even if they were competent, it made Shinon narrow his eyes at Ike many times. He suspected a potential company takeover from the upstart...
While Shinon was immersed in his paranoia, Rolf looked at his mentor with a tinge of worry. He was contemplating practicing elsewhere for the time being...
"Ow..." Boyd muttered as he lifted himself off the ground. Before him was Raven who held a training sword. "Man, you're good. But I wish you would use an axe."
Raven shook his head at Boyd's statement.
"It wouldn't matter. Think about the rules of battle and whether you can use whatever you can to your advantage. Your enemies will vary, so think about ways to use your axe skills to offset weapon advantage..." Boyd shrugged as Raven put away his training equipment. He turned to Boyd to continue his explanation: "You put a lot of movement into those swings, using your entire body. Your build is strong but that leaves you wide open if you don't keep your guard..."
It was then Boyd seemed to slump over in a slightly depressed state. "Right... Ike always took advantage of that after we started sparring... he's gotten really good! Whenever he uses the pommel of his sword, it staggers me every time! But I'm not one to use a shield like you."
Boyd was reminded that he managed to lose against Ike in every sparring match since his return. Even if Ike used a training axe, Boyd still managed to lose. It certainly led the green-haired lad to take training far more seriously and skip naps.
But his fighting style was not suited to using a shield to protect himself. He emphasized the weight of his swings, allowing his entire body to move with his axe to add momentum. Using a shield would defeat the point.
Raven then cupped his chin and nodded in understanding. "If you don't plan on using shields, have you thought about adding lunges right after your swings? That will catch the enemy off-guard."
Raven wasn't unfamiliar with using a melee attack using the body. He was strong enough to do so but he was used to combat using his axe and shield. He found himself using his shield to occasionally bash his foes and stagger them.
Boyd pondered for a moment before beaming with a smile. He could charge forward with a tackle after doing a heavy swing.
"Yeah, with my strength, I can beat bandits that way!" Boyd exclaimed with a smile. He was grateful for the advice from Raven.
Raven shrugged with a slight grin. "Well, compared to your older brother, he is far more unpredictable. You can't see his eyes..."
Boyd gaped his mouth open for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. His eyes are so squinted that you can't predict his moves based on eye movement. But Boyd couldn't start squinting his eyes like his brother just to be unpredictable.
Whenever Oscar sparred, he lost every fight against Raven. But even Raven had to admit that Oscar was agile and difficult to read.
At any rate, the rest of the company was steadily improving. Guy was seen off in the distance swiftly delivering sword strokes to Greil in which the latter blocked every one of his strikes with his training axe. The man was indeed powerful, his reflexes against the Sacaen displayed his vast experience as a warrior.
Despite everyone's attempts to spar with the man, he demonstrated that he could hold his own. Signs of exhaustion were evident on Greil's face based on his sweating, but he proved his mettle as the leader of the company.
"So," Boyd called out to Raven, bringing the latter's attention to the young fighter. "You and your sister are heading to Melior with Soren?"
Raven nodded in response. "For my sister's magic studies. I'll be able to act as a temporary leader whenever we decide to conduct mercenary work. Lucius will remain to assist Rhys with learning magic and act as a second healer."
Lucius has been learning how to use Tellius magic tomes since his arrival and back in Elibe. He made considerable progress by being able to use the Old Tongue of Tellius through Canas and Erk's help. With slightly modified tomes from Anna that used the faith of Saint Elimine and God instead of the Goddess Ashera, he was able to use Tellius tomes (with added cost but it was acceptable).
While Priscilla was going to separate from Guy for a short time, Guy was rest assured that she was going to improve and become stronger to protect her family.
While Soren originally intended to temporarily be contracted to another mercenary group and train with them. But he decided to just work with Raven and the other mages while studying with them. At any rate, Raven was the main melee fighter and the one to act as commander while in Melior. He doubted there would be a lack of work available even with the Crimean knights roaming about.
What astounded Raven about the country was that Crimea was not founded on military strength but more emphasis on bureaucracy. The national defense is weaker compared to other countries as nobles along with merchants employ mercenaries as the private army. As a result, the majority of the country's fighting strength comes from mercenaries. It certainly made him raise an eyebrow when conversing with Oscar and Titania on the matter.
While Raven mulled to himself Boyd grinned and said: "Glad you're all part of the family."
Raven's attention went back to the fighter wondering why he suddenly spoke. Boyd continued to smile at the red-haired mercenary.
"Ever since you joined, people have been saying lots of great stuff about us. The world's full of mercenaries but many of them end up becoming scoundrels with no honest job or cutthroats. When we walk through towns, you can hear townsfolk say 'Careful! The mercenaries are back!' or 'They're scrounging for money!' and many other things..." Boyd explained with a sad smile. "I don't mind being badmouthed but when it's done to my family... But with all the new members, they started to become less scared of us."
Raven remembered that villagers would sometimes look afraid whenever they went into a town unless they arrived with children or women in the group. Although it sometimes turns to leering towards the women or certain men (Lucius). A single glare (or stare from Jaffar) is enough to make them look elsewhere whenever they go shopping.
Then again, it did turn to more whispers as the Sacaens looked exotic enough. Guy, Rath, and Lyn did not look the part of typical mercenaries. At the very least, they helped the company funds by selling pelts and procuring food from hunting.
"I assume Oscar and Titania don't receive similar gossip?" To which Boyd nodded. "Figures... well they are former knights and look the part..."
"You might receive offers from the knights because of how good you all are," Boyd remarked with a grin. "But none of you don't want to join the knights for similar reasons like Oscar, right?
It was genuine praise for the new members' skills. They could easily become knights in any country and become generals if they wished. The same goes for some of the veteran members of the company. Oscar could easily rejoin the Knights but he chose to stay with his family and help the people through his own path.
"Not our style. If I wanted to become a stuffy general or some sort, I would have remained back in Elibe," Raven replied curtly while shaking his head.
"Oh right, your sister said she was adopted or something along those lines after she separated from you. You guys are nobles?" Boyd asked in a curious tone.
The conversations during mealtime often involved asking about their life back in Elibe. They were surprised about the fact that a good chunk of the new members were related to nobility. It certainly did no favors for Shinon as he narrowed his eyes at Raven, Erk, Lyn (along with several other reasons), and Priscilla.
"Eh... not anymore... It's all in the past..." Raven responded while shrugging to himself. "I dunno about Erk. He might become a mage general someday but he's focusing on learning as much as he can. His father might just hand him the position someday..."
Erk only just turned 16 a while ago and he was striving to become an exemplary mage and magic scholar. Raven had a feeling that Count Reglay might end up recommending him to become mage general of Etruria by the time he finished his studies in Tellius.
"Man, does everyone have a big path set up for them...?" Boyd scratched his head in deep thought. "I wonder what my path will be...?"
"I'm sure you'll find it one day. For now, I want to protect my family," Raven replied with a fond smile.
Soren prepared books and various documents to take with him to Melior. He also peeked at a blue vial held in his hand. Ike had given him the vial to help make him stronger or something along those lines. Ike confessed that he originally planned to give it to Mist, but decided to give it to him.
He soon heard footsteps from behind him and hid away the vial. Peeking from behind him, it was the young mage, Erk.
"We didn't get much time to discuss since we've arrived. Ike told me much about you back in Elibe," Erk told the raven-haired man.
"We'll... have time to discuss the matter when we reach Melior," Soren replied in a somewhat polite tone.
Erk soon pulled out a book and handed it to Soren. "This is a book on the matter of elder magic. I've already read through the contents. Canas wanted me to hand this over to you..." Erk explained.
Soren frowned at the gesture. "Is it not better for Sophia to have it then? She uses dark-... elder magic. Does she not?"
It would be more useful in her hands as she was still not adept at the art. Which is why she was apprenticing under Canas while studying the continent.
Erk shook his head and gave a reassuring smile. "Well..."
"Please... hand this young Soren," Canas requested from Erk.
It was a copy of one of the books personally written by Niime on elder magic. Erk still had his own copy. Did the Hermit make more? He looked up to see the man give a fond smile as he looked at one of the books.
"As it turns out, when I went through my belongings that held the books that I quickly rushed to grab from my shelves in Ilia, she had written more copies of the books in return for the Tellius tomes that were brought to her," Canas explained with a smile. "She must have made them for me when I returned home for a moment..."
He didn't notice that he possessed another one of his mother's books? Come to think of it, Canas was busy reading as much as he could in the mercenary fort that he must have set aside looking through his belongings.
Niime the Hermit likely made them for Canas to share with his friends. To be granted such an opportunity to learn from the esteemed druid through her knowledge held in these books was an honor.
"I've already given a copy to Sophia, I will arrange contact with Legault who arrived this morning," Canas told the young mage who nodded with a smile.
"Very well, I shall tend to this task."
He would be honored to share wisdom with an exceptional individual.
"I see..." Soren spoke as he stared at the book in his hand. "So Canas's mother is a prolific expert on the matter of her field of elder magic... I'm not well-versed in the art but this should be a good read."
He heard that the element itself is tremendously more difficult to learn without being a spirit charmer. Something he was notably mistaken for some part of his life...
He thought about potentially learning such a field to help keep up the facade a little longer...
"It will, I assure you," Erk told the equally studious mage. He looked at the belongings and various documents scattered about on the table. "If you need assistance with bookkeeping, Lucius and Raven are also familiar with the task."
Raven was going with the group to Melior to organize mercenary work whenever possible. Lucius was to remain with the rest of the company to assist with healing.
Soren originally planned to work with another mercenary group while in Melior to commit to his studies. But since all these people were going with him, there was no point. He knew how competent these people were. It would do well for the company if their deeds and good performance reached other parts of Crimea.
"Thank you... I'll make arrangements to prepare them," Soren announced to Erk who smiled.
"It is a pleasure. I'm glad for the opportunity to study with you," Erk replied with a welcoming smile. He held out his hand in the same gesture that Ike had done for many.
Soren hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out and grasping the hand offered to him. He held no quarrel against these people from a foreign land.
"I look forward to working alongside you all..."
"Excuse me..." Soren stood from his seat in the mess hall. "I forgot I needed to prepare more things. I will be elsewhere."
Everyone glanced at Soren but soon went back to eating. Some of the members were still out to prepare for some of the group's departure for Melior while Greil and Titania were still speaking with Raven and Lucius on the matter. No one didn't think anything was wrong with Soren's excuse.
While Lyn held a worried expression, Ike soon spotted Sophia gingerly follow Soren. She had also taken her plate with her.
"Oi, lovebirds!" Shinon called across from a different table with Gatrie. Their attention went to the crude sniper who quipped at them. "When did the bookworm start getting comfy with the lass whose hair is as long as a castle?"
"None of your business, Shinon..." Boyd muttered while returning to eating his supper.
Lyn sighed at how crude Shinon was. He always seemed wary of the new members. He was way more foul-mouthed than she imagined...
"That's their affair, Shinon," Ike added.
"Oh come now, even I'm curious too..." Gatrie confessed despite being envious of couples. While he certainly liked cute girls, he didn't have much time to talk to some of the new female members.
Those who had lovers were out of the question. Florina was either too shy or Fiora was already cautious against Gatrie. Sophia was certainly of the demure sort but she avoided Gatrie like the plague. But to see her approach Soren, who was as reserved as her (outside of Ike) for opposite reasons.
"I don't know," Nils spoke up from his table. "Maybe they have something in common that attracts her to him..."
Ike and Lyn looked at one another for a moment before looking back at Nils. By that logic, she would also be interested in Nils... Shinon was not satisfied with the answer as he scoffed at the bard.
"Oh yeah, what do they have in common outside of books...?" Shinon prodded to Nils.
Shinon seemed more distant after hearing the young-looking bard was brother-in-law to a marquess (one of Ike's employers in Elibe). He did not dislike the child but it made him wary knowing why a kid that could be living in luxury would choose to be in a shabby fort with a bunch of mercenaries. The same applied to some other new members.
Gatrie hoped he could see what was a guaranteed beautiful lass (Ninian) if they were siblings with Nils, a pretty boy. Still, a lot of members were curious as to why this bard chose to travel to Crimea.
His flute playing was certainly a hit with Rolf and Mist along with some of the townsfolk. Nils was certainly friendly and helpful in home tasks (while warning of ill-intent from nearby bandits to the nearby members of the company).
"On the contrary, it's what they have in common that they have opposite views on the matter..." Nils explained as he stared in the direction where the pair went off. "Opposites attract I suppose..."
Nils's musing was meant with a confused stare from most of the people in the mess hall. Only Ike and Lyn had an inkling as to what Nils was referring to.
"So... they like each other...?" Mist spoke up with a curious gaze while Rolf was also inquisitive to know.
Shinon raised an eyebrow at Nils's cryptic statement. Even Oscar was slightly curious while preparing the meals to be delivered to the rest of the company in the kitchen.
"... Maybe one day... They have plenty of time together after all..." Nils remarked with a slight grin while taking a bite out of morsels.
"Why are you following me...?" Soren spoke as he stood in the meadow while his sleeves hid the blue vial.
Sophia was behind him while holding a copy of Niime's book in her hand. She looked where he hid the precious item and knew he was trying to hide it.
After his lack of control over his emotions... he avoided interacting with this girl. Nevertheless, she kept following him. He knew she wouldn't reveal his secret as it would also reveal hers.
"That vial..." Soren turned to her with a glare, but she did not mind. "It's called Afa's Drops... It's a very valuable item to help you become even stronger..."
So it was true. For a moment, he wondered if Ike gave him some sort of a concoction made by a swindler. So it was a magical item...
"So... why did he give this to me instead of his little sister... or any of his new companions?" Soren's line of questioning earned him a slight frown on Sophia's face.
"He chose you... You are his friend... He wants you to become stronger and master your skills to face the trials ahead..." Sophia's expression soon softened and slowly smiled and closed her eyes. "I envy your talents and strength... I can't see your future, for I know you will become very strong... I hope I can fight as well as you one day..."
Soren closed his eyes and sighed. Now he was beginning to wonder if her foresight was a ruse. Then again, she did predict rain when it was a mostly clear day (unbeknownst to Soren, Nils also predicted it). He had a feeling that she would only be satisfied if he were to entertain the notion of becoming a powerful sage.
"Where did Ike get this...?" Soren inquired from the shaman.
"One of the greatest sorcerers in Elibe..." She answered promptly, surprising the wind mage. "A legend... the man who lit ablaze the path of wisdom and helped build our sanctuary, Arcadia... Unfortunately, he passed away around the time Ike returned here..."
So the man is deceased... from natural causes or sudden death? And why at such a time when Ike returned from Elibe? All these thoughts and questions swarmed Soren.
"I see..." Soren replied as he stared at the blue vial. He soon turned to the girl with a furrowed brow. "By the way, why are you here?"
If it was just to study in Tellius, he could understand. But why did a girl with draconic blood decide to go with Ike and the others? It couldn't be the idea that she was apprenticing under Canas, and thus being dragged around as a student. He could tell there was something else at play.
Sophia remained silent for a moment before nodding. "My friend... she disappeared like Ike and came to Tellius..." Soren widened his eyes at that fact. "The girl who informed you of Ike's whereabouts... was her... she is a full-blooded dragon... we know she is in Goldoa as a welcome guest... I must bring her back..."
The revelation left Soren to blink his eyes repeatedly. She was planning to go to Goldoa, home of the dragon Laguz tribe. Her presence was akin to a Branded despite not being one...
That also meant Ike had to be aware of this issue and allowed her to come to Tellius.
"Ike knows your intentions...?" Soren queried to which Sophia nodded in response. "So he's helping you take your friend back to your home...?"
Sophia nodded once more to affirm his question. "Yes... He feels responsible as he was involved in her disappearance..." Soren's eyes widened from the news but Sophia continued, "I want to go to Melior to study and be prepared to meet with the Goldoan King... And to invite some other guests to our community..."
Soren raised an eyebrow at her last statement but remained focused on the matter at hand. Knowing Ike, he would embark on a near-suicide quest to enter Goldoa. Now he had many other things to consider before Ike would likely escort Sophia and her friend back to this Arcadia... Moreover, how was Ike responsible for this girl's disappearance?
From what Greil avoided mentioning to the rest of the group and how odd the witness testimony was from months ago, this must have been the reason why it was kept under wraps. The girl was welcomed as a dragon despite not being a Goldoan. If Greil is aware, then he has to go through many obstacles and intermediaries to inform and convince Goldoans to allow this dragon girl to return to her home.
"This is a conundrum..." Sophia agreed with Soren's assessment. He sighed from the mess that Ike encountered on his way back home. "I assume you're not in a hurry?"
Sophia shook her head in response. "No... We do know she is treated well as a guest..."
That's only because this friend was a dragon... The same couldn't be said for the girl in front of him, who was only half-dragon. But that led to another question in his mind.
"You're confident that our company can protect you, against the mighty dragons of Goldoa should you invoke their wrath?" Soren queried Sophia who remained silent. "Remember what I said about the sub-humans treating you like nothing? Even if you're friends with your dragon friend, sub-humans may not offer you the same hospitality... Their values are different here compared to Elibe."
Sophia closed her eyes before opening them again. She was confident in the strength of this group.
"Yes... for Ike has fought alongside and against dragons... He is strong... and you will assuredly become strong as well... with the blessing he's given you..."
Once again, Soren was astounded and puzzled by what Ike experienced. Since when did he come into conflict with dragons? Wasn't this girl also part-dragon with some of her community including full-blooded dragons? What goes on in this Elibe?
This matter would be serious in any country whether it be Laguz or Beorc nation. Knowing Ike, he would be quick to confirm the tale...
For his friend... his best friend... He mustn't hesitate to gain as much strength as possible... He will agree to help Ike fulfill his duty and help this girl. Even if it was near-suicidal to do so to enter the most isolated and powerful country in the world.
"Well then..." As Soren trailed off, he popped open the vial and drank the contents, surprising Sophia with how quickly he chose to drink the drops. After finishing the vial, he turned to Sophia. "Is this alright?"
Sophia stared at Soren blankly for a moment before a smile crept up on the corner of her lips. She nodded with a fond smile on her face. He was kind and empathetic despite his cold demeanor.
"I'm glad to be working with you... Please... Rely on me as much you wish..." Sophia told Soren with a smile. Her next set of words would leave Soren speechless, however. "And I will rely on you... to watch my every step as you've done thus far..."
"I swear... they're all crazy... I can't wait till they get mauled by those sub-humans!"
A shrouded man was interrupted from his light meal which consisted of just fruit and nuts at a table in the inn. His hood shrouded some parts of his face to avoid drawing attention to his visage.
Nevertheless, he paid close attention to the conversation behind his seat. He had heard there was commotion involving pirates that stayed for a couple of weeks without any response from the militia, mercenaries, or knights.
"Eh... I dunno..." One man held a reluctant tone. "They seemed like merry folks out for adventure... One pegasus rider was a beauty. A shame."
"Right..." A barmaid sighed to herself. "They did drive off the other pirates in the coast better than our town's vigilantes ever did..."
"Ha!" One older gentleman scoffed. "They want to go out of their way to drink with those sub-humans! They'll be fish food or a meal for the beasts!"
The hooded figure raised his eyebrows underneath his cloak. From what he assumed, these were Beorc pirates. A rather odd group of pirates. He wondered if there was some dubious intention involving the partaking of alcohol with the Laguz...
"Right! What compels those idiots in drinking with the kings of those beasts and birds or even a damn dragon for that matter!? They didn't even want to make them pets! If they just want to drink and feast in those sub-human countries, then let 'em!" The younger man who added to the conversation soon heard giggling from behind him. Glancing behind him, it was a hooded figure who was chuckling. "See! Even this guy agrees with me!"
Gasping for breath as he remained laughing, he left some gold on the table despite not finishing his snack. Walking out the door of the inn, he continued laughing while the people of the inn stared at the man who left. Without a word, he just laughed and walked away from the establishment.
"What was with him...?" A man muttered.
As the cloaked figure was a good distance away from the inn, he still chuckled to himself over what was revealed to him. Pirates... Not even slave traders... They want to partake in libations with every Laguz royal from every country... It is especially impossible with that man whose power eclipses all...
What a foolish and impossible dream... Such a thing was possible centuries ago... Now, it is nothing more than a foolhardy dream. But it is a fleeting and beautiful dream nonetheless...
"I'd be shocked if a group of Beorc pirates managed to achieve something that not even the Crimean royal family would be able to achieve... I'd be even more flabbergasted if Dheginsea decides to do so without his son to succeed him..."
Sephiran smiled to himself over all the interesting things he'd experienced lately. First was the fake priest, now it is a Beorc pirate group seeking to drink with Laguz royals... He hasn't been this amused in a long time...
"Whoever you pirates are... May the Goddess bless you on your journey..."
He gave his sincere blessings to the Davros...
AN: Next chapter will be a prologue.