Disclaimer - I don't own Fire Emblem. All of its properties belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
Chapter 10
"Lissa, I don't think hair is meant to twist arou-OW!"
Lissa's reflection pouts back at me as she tries to yank my short strands together into something resembling a style. She yanks the primitive brush through the wet, gnarled locks and works on tearing out another tangle.
"Shush you. The master is at work."
The torturous tool in her hands works through my hair again with another tug that practically rips the strands right from my scalp. 'Master at work' my butt. Think again!
I cast a curious look to the side and see Miriel receiving a far gentler styling under Sumia's softer touch. It's odd to see Miriel without that flimsy hat on her head. Under the candlelight her red hair is much brighter and a far lovelier shade of red than I had thought. If I were her, I'd drop the headgear for the evening and show off that gorgeous color. She'd turn some heads for sure.
A hiss of pain escapes from me as I wince under the latest assault on my hair follicles. "Ouch! Lissa, really? Are you using a brush or a porcupine on my head? Gods."
"Don't be such a baby Robin. I wouldn't be having such a problem if you took better care of your hair."
"I just finished fighting in the Arena! Excuse me for not keeping myself fashionably presentable while battling for my life." Lissa pulls up a handful of strands and tries to do something with them but they slip easily through her fingers. "Can you give it up already? My hair's just too short for this."
My head snaps back as Lissa yanks a new wad of hair. "Nonsense. Sully's hair is too short. You've still got some hanging and I swear I'll make something of it! Just wait."
A low snort emits to my left where Sully lays sprawled casually across the lone couch in Lissa's quarters. She's eating from a bowl of what looks like pistachios. She picks at one of her own short strands and twists it between her fingers. "This is why I cut all of mine off. You don't have to deal with this crap when formal garbage comes up."
"Sully, there's nothing wrong with a formal gathering here or there," Sumia says reproachfully as she braids together parts of Miriel's hair. "They're so much fun! Imagine all of the people you'll meet! Or the dancing! Oh, just think of it!" Sumia gets starry-eyed as she falls into some sort of daydream. Ten bucks that I can guess who she's imagining waltzing with.
"I wonder what kind of dances they have here in Regna Ferox?" Lissa muses as she ties some of my gathered hair together with a dark ribbon. "Ooo, that's a pretty color on you Robin."
"Uh, thanks."
Miriel turns another page of the book she's reading. She doesn't even spare us a glance as she begins to speak. "Regna Ferox's culture is far different from our own. They are known for their pronounced music and ostentatious garbs in the West while the East practices wilder steps and simpler instruments. Regardless of whatever influence we encounter this eve, it will be a raucous affair beyond that of home. My educated guess will be folk music befitting the new Khan's rustic roots."
"Folk dances? Like what they do at festivals in the country?" Lissa ponders.
Sumia's eyes brighten. "How wonderful! I wonder if I may know any of them. My village had quite a few different dances during our festivals."
"Unlikely given the difference in cultural habitations. But, there is a minor probability given the high congregation of different national exposure in these regions."
Sully leans over the armrest and gives a dismissing shrug. "Honestly, who in the hells cares? Are any of us really dancing today? Don't know about you gals but I don't let any man put his arms around me."
Lissa picks up that wretched brush again and starts to comb out the loose hair still hanging around my neck. "Of course you wouldn't be dancing Sully. Everyone is too scared of you to even ask."
"Damn right. I don't have time for that romantic bull anyway."
"What about Virion? He seems very devoted to you," Sumia throws out.
Sully cracks a nut between her teeth and spits the shell back into the bowl. "Yeah, he's devoted to me alright. Me and every other woman he comes across. I wouldn't touch that sleaze ball with a ten foot lance."
"What about Stahl?" The words slip quicker from my mouth than I can register them. Whoops.
Another crack of a nut followed by silence. "What about 'im?" she finally says.
"I don't know. Just curious. You two are so close, practically fused at the hip if Virion hasn't wedged his way in somehow. There's some good groundwork for chemistry there, just saying," I point out.
"Yeah, well that ain't any of your business now, is it?" she snaps defensively. Her sudden attitude change catches the attention of the rest of the room. Lissa bunches her face up into a severe look of disapproval causing the knight to look away. Even that far away I could still feel her ire.
"Sully..." I murmur sadly. Her words the other day come back to me. Out of everyone there, her tone was the harshest. If what she implied about her brothers is what I think she meant, I can understand why she'd be so hesitant to want to buddy up again. She's probably got a severe prejudice against Plegians and I certainly didn't do anything to prove I'm not one. I hope in time things get better. I honestly like Sully and I don't want us to be estranged like this forever. The same goes for Vaike. And even Frederick. There's still some hurdles to cross but I've got all the time to try and fix it.
"Feroxi banquets can serve up to twenty-three different varieties of fish," Miriel suddenly states.
"What did you say Miriel?" Lissa replies tiredly.
"There are twenty-three different species of aquatic life to choose from at a Feroxi banquet. Given the time of year and the migration pattern of mating seasons for several genus, we may be in good fortune this eve. Rainbow snapper has a high potential of being on the menu."
Miriel's statement shifts the mood of the room instantly. Lissa and Sumia both perk up and start to smile.
Lissa claps her hands excitedly together. I can practically see her mouth watering at whatever she's imagining in her head. "Holy wow! Did you hear that Sumia? Rainbow snapper!"
Sumia bobs her head in approval as she starts another braid in Miriel's hair. "That's very exciting. It's been so long since I've been able to have a fresh one! I wonder how they prepare them? Grilled perhaps?"
Even Sully looks excited by the news. "Rainbow snapper, huh? Maybe the night isn't a total loss after all."
I throw Miriel a quick smile of thanks for the successful diversion. She looks at me from over the corner rim of her glasses and gives the faintest nod. Your status as best friend is rising rapidly Miriel. Bless your brainy soul!
Lissa gives a final tug at my hair before stepping around to see it. Her face falls a little but she hides it quickly. "It looks great," she says with false cheer.
It's okay Lissa. You tried. Have a gold star anyway.
"On to the next step," she says before dragging me to my feet.
"What now?"
"It's not just your hair that needs work! We still need to do something with your face. And after that I need to finish with the last touches of your outfit. I found this real swell coat you can swap out for your old one. And I had one of the attendants run out and by us all new shoes. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed one of your boots for measurements," she rambles as she drags me to the vanity on the other side of the room. Even in the depths of these medieval times I can't escape from the hell that is fashion. My one true weakness in life. And now my image is in the hands of fifteen year old princess.
God help me.
I will never, ever speak of what happened to me in that room today. By all that is good in this world may Lissa never attempt to ready me for a formal event again.
Thankfully she was called early to the banquet to get her seat at the main table. Perks of being a royal include dibs at the most important seat in the house. Sumia did a wonderful job with damage control and performed a proper makeover to cover up the war wounds Lissa inflicted on me. Before we knew it, an attendant was knocking for us as well.
The four of us rush out the door and into the halls. We wind through the corridors until we reach the gathering group of people entering the main courtyard. Through the window I can see the torches burning brightly from all corners. They illuminate three great long tables that line all of one end of the courtyard. Guests are already being seated and are chattering with their seat mates. Stahl is the first Shepherd we see and he helps guide us over to our designated spot near the end of one table.
The setting itself is surprisingly pretty given what I've seen of Flavia's tastes. I assume someone else set this up for her. Heavy garlands made of Fir trees and pinecones line all four walls of the courtyard. Her tapestry hangs from several posts to honor her reclaimed reign as head Khan. The red timber tables we sit at are covered in a finely woven cloth stitched with an intricate silver design along the hem. Matching silverware glints under the firelight.
The rest of the courtyard is empty aside from where a few boxes in a corner lay propping up several instruments. Looks like there will be some party entertainment tonight!
When we all get seated, Flavia begins the meal with a speech. And by a speech, I mean a rousing tale of her past successes as Khan and the future ones she has plans for. She makes a lot of friendly digs at Basilio who takes each one with a quip of his own.
She breaks into a overly heroic recounting of the Arena fight and praises each one of us by name for a job well done. I find myself sinking deep into my seat when she calls my name so I can hide from all the eyes turning on me. Thankfully she quickly moves on and ends on Chrom. She starts another segment about his finesse as a fighter and extols his ability to keep his promises. It's the perfect transition into announcing her plans of an alliance with Ylisse.
While the crowd quiets down during her initial explanation of things, she begins to stir their spirits with lively tales of heroic battle and defending the Feroxi name from the rabble-rousers of the desert sands. She's charismatic alright. Flavia knows how to expertly move the people with her words. She riles up the warriors with promises of fame. She gets the backing of merchants with guarantees of overflowing coffers from the new networks between Ylisse and them. By the end of her speech, the courtyard is buzzing with praise toward their new ruling Khan. Flavia takes it all in with a triumphant grin. She raises a toast in honor of the Feroxi people and then in the name of the new friendship that's been acquired today. We all drink and then the food begins to come.
The feast is a multi-course extravaganza. Just when I think one dish ends another takes its place. Fish, game, and fowl in more varieties than I can identify blink in and out as fast as people stab at it. Soups of both oily and cream base spill as they pass by. Vegetables in all colors of the rainbow come in a wide array of steamed, boiled, and mashed.
I have never eaten so much in my life.
I give up somewhere after course five and sit contently as the meal goes by. The laughter continues and the alcohol flows in a never ending supply. Spirits are higher than I've ever seen before.
When the desserts begin to emerge, I nearly start to cry. It's the closest to heaven on Earth I think I'll ever get. I somehow stuff more in and the euphoria of real sugared delicacies was never more appreciated.
As the food dies down, guests begin to wander freely onto the emptier part of the floor. Groups break away and form their own private circles to discuss the party or whatever else tickles their fancy. Before I can even move, I get my own visitor.
The rude house attendant from the other night approaches me while I cozy up in my chair. He looks down his beaky nose at me and clears his throat. "My Khan wishes to share an audience with you."
"Flavia?" I look over at the woman and she stares back, watching me. She crooks a finger beckoning me in.
"Lead on," I tell him as I rise from my chair.
"Well now, look who it is. Just the woman I've was been waiting for!" Flavia exclaims as the attendant guides me to her table. "How's the Feroxi life treating you Tactician?"
"Nothing makes or breaks a party like alcohol and you've got that in spades. So I can't complain."
"Ha, ha! You I like," she says. Flavia gestures to the empty seat before her. "Take a seat my friend."
I plunk down into the chair. Not to be rude, but her table is utterly disgusting compared to where I sat. Cups lay overturned with its content spilling everywhere. Whole platters lay in disarray and someone's started a bone pyramid made from chicken thighs. 'Fight hard and eat harder' should be the Regna Ferox motto.
Though she bears a friendly air, Flavia's eyes watch me analyzing my whole form. "Robin, is it? I've heard a lot about you in the short time you've walked my country's roads. A Plegian turncoat with a gift for tactics serving the crown prince of Ylisse. I have to say that I'm intrigued."
"Is that what you heard? How nice," I say a little off put by the suggestion. No doubt something of Raimi's idea. "That's not the whole truth of things."
"Isn't it? I suppose you're right. We all have a little more to our stories than we let on, don't we." Flavia reaches out and picks a leg off a nearby half-eaten bird. She tears a large chunk out of the meat and starts to chew. "I can confidently say though," Flavia says between chomps, "that you were the most entertaining thing to watch today."
"Thank you?"
She swallows and shakes the leg at me. "Don't get me wrong, out of all your fighters today you were clearly the weakest. It happens with you intellectual types so I suppose I can't fault you there. However, you get points for creativity. Not one of your victories came from some drawn out duel."
"I suppose not." She's right. If you count me disabling the one knight, it was from one shot. Cressidia went down with a smack to the face and Marth forfeited because I 'talked her out of it'. I guess that is kind of impressive.
"I have to say, that wyvern trick was something. I don't know what you promised that kid in the stands but getting that lizard to shit on Cressidia was worth it." Flavia finishes devouring the meat before throwing the remaining bone to the side. An attendant comes up from beside her and holds out a bowl for her to dip her fingers in. While she flicks her greasy digits in the water, she continues to speak. "You did me a great favor there Robin. Cressidia is one of the old goat's favorite admirals. She's been a thorn in my side since he first brought her on board. Her arrogance could fill the sky itself. Spirits know how close I've come to retching out that wagging tongue of hers. She doesn't need it to fight so I'd be doing no true harm."
"I believe that." Friendly reminder to self to never make this Khan angry.
"What I'm most curious about, however, is what you told that Champion of Basilio's. From what I could see, he still had the advantage on us. Your silver tongue clearly convinced him to drop out despite the upper hand."
Blast. Time to BS again. "I just, uh, used his sense of honor against him. You know those chivalrous types," I try to joke. "Everything is about the greater good of the people. He was in it to prove his personal worth but I convinced him that he would look far more knightly forfeiting in the name of Ylisse so that we could save lives with our alliance. I pushed the argument and eventually he relented. What's his individual glory to lives of the common folk?"
Flavia chuckles, low and deep. "I see. Conniving work Tactician. Using a man's ideals against him to achieve your own ends. Does your innocent prince know this darker half of you?"
Aw crap. Did I just flub up? Now she probably does think I'm some atypical Plegian backstabber.
"Do not look so distressed Robin. Sometimes such means are necessary. A good leader knows that one cannot always rely on that which is honorable and true to achieve a means. The world does not revolve around black and white. Others will readily use that simple sentimentality against you." She throws a look to the side where both Chrom and Lissa are speaking with Basilio on his end of the table. "I spoke long enough with your man to know that he's as green as a tadpole in spring when it comes to war. He still plays with toy soldiers on a battlefield of cushions. It will fall to those like you to protect him by such means until he learns to accept them himself."
I blink in surprise at her forthright advice. That's a heavy responsibility to take up. Am I really that strong enough to become someone worth relying on? It's an unsettling thought. Sadly, it's also the truth. History has proven Flavia's point tenfold. There are humans who will always play dirty and take advantage of those who are inherently good. The innocence of others will always be preyed upon by the predators seeking to grow stronger in the conquest for their own means. I'd love to be just as naive but I know that that's just not how the world works. It doesn't matter if it's in my world or here, human beings can be monstrous assholes.
I fiddle anxiously with the edge of my sleeves. "I only hope I can handle it."
Flavia leans back in her chair and rests her hands behind her head. She gives me a knowing grin. "We have an old saying here in Ferox: 'A man doesn't always need a sword at his side to keep him strong. Sometimes he only needs a good woman to give him strength.' Understand?"
"I suppose?" I say, half confused and half guessing.
Flavia closes her eyes and sighs. "Ah, so that's how it is. Just keep doing what you're doing, girl. You'll get it one day."
Okay? I mean, I guess she's talking about the typical power of friendship junk people like to spout but whatever...
"U-um. Excuse me?"
Both our heads snap to the side where another woman stands timidly beside us. She seems to shrink into herself under our gazes. It takes me a moment to realize it's Olivia.
Hoo boy. If I were a man I would have dropped to one knee already. Olivia is the quintessential vision of feminine perfection. Translation: That girl is hot.
I immediately feel the pangs of envy as she stands there with her perfect form. This gal's got curves in all the right places and a natural beauty that shines brightly. God, do I want her hair. Look at how soft it is! And the color! It's like it's made of rose petals.
Inigo, you are one lucky kid. You are going to inherit some fiiiiiiine genetics barring your father being someone ugly like Excellus.
Flavia twirls her wrist at Olivia, beckoning her closer. "Ah, Olivia. Good eve to you. What does the oaf need now?"
Olivia shuffles forward, hands clasped together tightly from nerves. "Hello Khan Flavia. I have a...request for you from Lord Basilio. He wishes to know if he can speak to the Shepherd's tactician."
Despite her quiet words, Olivia's voice sounds like bells. I bet she can sing just as beautifully as she can dance.
"Does he now?" Flavia snorts indignantly. "Typical of him. Hog all the company for himself. I suppose I can though. I've learned what I wanted." Flavia whistles and points to a server on the floor. She then points to the table. "I need a refill anyway. Go ahead Robin. Indulge that brute before he starts throwing things."
"Thanks. It was nice talking with you Flavia."
"Indeed. The pleasure was all mine Tactician. I look forward to more of your antics. Don't disappoint me."
I get up and move to where Olivia stands. "Hello," she says softly.
"Hey. Nice to meet you face to face Olivia. I saw you watching from the box earlier. Did you enjoy the game?"
She looks surprised that I'm actually talking to her. Olivia quickly pulls herself together and starts to walk me to Basilio's side. "The fight was enthralling. Both sides did very well. I didn't really mind who would win, as long as no one was injured."
"True. Nothing ruins a day of fun like a bad injury. We had a good run though. I take it Basilio enjoyed himself too?"
Olivia nods, her braids bouncing under the force of her enthusiasm. "Very much so. He enjoyed your warrior friend the most. Khan Basilio says the man reminds him of himself in his youth."
If that's the case, I hope Vaike get as smart as Basilio when he reaches that age. In fact, I hope he smartens up soon or he may not even reach thirty.
As we reach Basilio's end, the man himself rises from his chair and throws out his arms. "There's my lovely Olivia! And she's snared a radiant tactician to boot. It's a good hour, it is."
"Hey Robin," Lissa greets merrily. She's got both arms on the table and is resting casually back on it. She's trying to look awfully cool for someone her age. I wonder if it has anything to do with the quiet myrmidon sitting in the chair beside Basilio. Lon'qu's wandering gaze connects with mine and my heart flutters a little. It should be illegal how handsome he is! I give him a friendly wink in response. He stiffens up and promptly looks away. I can already tell that it's gonna be fun hanging with him! Within reason of course. I'd never want to abuse his phobia for my own amusement. It'll just be different trying to interact with him.
"Hi Lissa, Chrom," I greet as I come up. "And a good evening to you Khan Basilio. Word is you wanted to see me."
"Aha! You can bet on my big brown arse I do! I want to see the face of the woman who turned the tides on me in battle today."
I let out a feeble laugh. "Not much to see I'm afraid."
"Well you were certainly right about the humble part my boy," Basilio's chuckles. "Show a little pride in your work. You're a deciding factor in today's success Robin."
I shoot Chrom an irritated look but he responds with his trademark shrug of feigned ignorance. You butt.
"Pah, I'm not here to spoon feed you advice. I merely want to offer my hearty congratulations on a game well played. You're a young bird but I can see you'll be flying high before long. I'm going to enjoy this little treaty of ours more than I thought."
"The feeling is mutual Khan Basilio," Chrom responds politely.
"Off with the pleasantries lad. Just Basilio is fine. I'm not so bold as to flaunt my title even in personal company like the crazed she-lion over there." Basilio's one eye narrows and his face sours as the music from the back changes into something slower and more mellow.
"What is this drivel coming from my men over there? Olivia, would you do a favor for this old man and tell the boys to liven up the tune? It's beginning to sound like a funeral dirge in here and I ain't dead yet. Unless the wicked Khan of the East has finally given up." He looks over his shoulder and sees Flavia still drinking and laughing. "Seven hells, a man can wish."
"I'll head right over," Olivia says. As she walks around the table I notice her speed up considerably as she passes Chrom. She ducks her head and bursts away with a fierce blush. Set the crush count to three. This prince is growing a harem of admirers. We've got Sumia, Cordelia (who I haven't even met yet but know from experience), and now Olivia. That's gonna be one hell of a battle royale between these girls for his affection. Good luck.
"Chrom, do you think you can dance with me?" Lissa says suddenly and very loudly. "People are starting do so now."
She's right. There's only a couple starting out but a few wayward stragglers are taking part in some synchronized medieval dance pattern.
"I don't know if I feel up for it right now Lis," Chrom responds. His tone is forced and also really loud.
"Oh pooh. Whatever shall I do with no partner to dance with," Lissa sighs dramatically. She leans back and drapes an arm over her eyes but I can see her peeking from underneath at Lon'qu. Chrom turns away looking both uncomfortable and annoyed.
Lon'qu's chair scrapes across the floor as he stands up abruptly from it. "Forgive me but I'm going to take my leave for the evening." Without waiting for a word, he spins and speed walks for the exit.
Basilio watches him go before breaking into a fit. "Sorry Princess but you're going to have to try harder than that to get that stubborn man to court you. His aversion to women runs deeper than the trees grow roots."
Lissa looks hurt, then upset. She stands straight and starts to stomp toward the floor. She grabs hold of her brother's arm as she passes him and drags him along. "C'mon Chrom," she says dejectedly.
Chrom looks more than happy to oblige her request, now free of having to worry about her dancing with a strange man. "Apologies for the quick exit," he calls back as the two disappear into the crowd.
"Have fun you two," I call out.
"Heh, the pains of a youthful love," Basilio says wistfully.
"We've all been there once upon a time," I say.
"Don't start talking like an old crone yet, girl. You've still got plenty of years left to feel it yourself." He makes a sweeping gesture with his hand toward the floor. "And I'm not helping by keeping you here any longer. Go find your friends and enjoy the night. We have many moons ahead of us to speak again."
I bow my head in farewell and begin to wander through the throng of people. It doesn't take long to see my friends' familiar faces. Most of them have gathered off to the side in their own circle. I continue to push my way through until I break out of the masses and into their space.
"Hey guys! I saw you all over here and thought I'd- woah!"
I pivot out of the way just as Vaike gets shoved right where I was standing. The blonde warrior staggers while trying to find his balance. "What gives Sully?" he growls out angrily.
The redhead knight snarls right back with a look of extreme contempt on her face. "You...you take that back," she slurs. Frick. Is Sully drunk?
Vaike stands upright and I notice that his constant wobbling isn't from losing his footing. He's drunk as well. "What'chu talkin' about. All I said was the truth."
"You're full of yerr own piss, you know that?" She hollers while shaking a fist at him. "Ain't nothin' wrong with my hair color!"
What did I just walk in on? I sidle over to where Sumia and Stahl watch with hesitant horror. Both stand tense and ready to intervene if things go South. Miriel stands calm and collected across from us, her narrowed gaze locked on Vaike.
"Guys?" I call out in question as I come up behind them.
"Sully's being Sully," Stahl says morosely. "And Vaike's baiting her."
Sumia hums worriedly beside him, wringing her hands nervously behind her. "I hate when they get like this. They get so loud and aggressive."
"No kidding. What happened?"
"Alls I'm saying," Vaike shouts, "is that you gingers are the least amount of fun. The Vaike knows a thing or two about partying and ya'll just get shoddier as the night goes on."
"WHAT?" Sully bellows. "I'm ten times the fun you'll ever be you horse headed shit. Take your corncob head and shove it up Grima's ass!"
Stahl grimaces at her last insult. "Last time they got this way they argued whether cows should be herded with a switch on foot or by horseback."
"What."
Vaike puffs his chest out and carries a haughty air. "Ha! At least I got me Grima's ass! When was the last time you could say the same Sully? Oh wait, you can't cause no one wants to bed a red head. They're just as bad in bed as they are drinking buddies."
Sully lets out a massive war cry and jumps him. Her fist flies like a rocket landing a beautiful bulls-eye right into his face. Vaike falls with a pained grunt that has him landing on his back. He lets out a pitiful whine as he brings his hand to his face. When he pulls it back, there's blood.
"Sully!" Stahl cries in distress as he moves forward to grab her. Before he can reach her, Frederick's enraged form bursts through the crowd and grabs her outstretched arm. Virion sashays in behind him and watches from the edge.
"What in the name of the Gods is taking place here? I can hear your jabbering all the way from the other end of the room."
"Tch, ain't nothing Frederick. Just a tiff," Sully fumes beside him.
When the great knight looks down at Vaike's bleeding face, he goes livid. "Naga's breath, have you two any sense? We are guests this eve in the house of our honored allies. To conduct yourselves in such a manner is disgraceful! You are representatives of Ylisse's finest and yet you choose to behave like common curs!"
"We didn't hurt nothin' aside from our pride," Vaike grunts from the floor as he sits up. He rubs the back of his head where it slammed into the cobblestone inlay. I can see the large gash still trickling blood from his lower lip.
"This is unacceptable!" Frederick roars. "You are to remove yourselves from this party at once. I do not want to see your faces again until you've sobered and come to your senses like warriors of your station should act."
"You-you're kicking us out," Sully sways. "That's unfair!"
"It is also unfair that I allow you to remain and make a mockery of milord and milady's reputations."
"Oh snap," I say under my breath. "That's messed up."
Virion takes this moment as a sign to jump in. "My dear knight, allow me to throw in my assistance. I shall escort the lovely Sully to her room so she may, erm, 'sober up' as you so tactfully put. It shall be no trouble as my own quarters are near and I have grown weary of the eve myself."
"But I-" Stahl starts to say as he looks quickly between the two of them.
Sully yanks her arm from Frederick's grip and starts to stalk away. "I don't need no help. I can show myself out."
Virion raises a hand and chases after her. "Gracious, Sully! That is not the way to our rooms. Hold yourself! Please!"
Stahl deflates as he watches the two walk off into the mansion. I feel for you Stahl. If another guy started wedging his way into my friendship I'd be miffed too.
"Vaike, I expect the same of you. I suggest a good retiring for the eve given your own state of welfare," Frederick continues.
"But-"
"That is not a suggestion Vaike. Now leave before I have half a mind to tell milord of this little stunt." Frederick gives the rest of us a look of warning. "No more tomfoolery will be tolerated. Do I make myself clear?"
We all force out a yes. Satisfied, Frederick disappears back into the crowd to wherever he was before.
" 'ey Miriel. Mind giving me a hand up?"
"You may procure your own aid. It is clear to me that my presence is no longer desired." Miriel steps over his legs and bustles away into the night.
The blonde gets to his knees. "What got up her knickers all of the sudden?"
"Vaike..." Sumia moans. "Miriel has red hair too."
"She does?" he blinks stupidly. I can see the wheels turning slowly through his alcoholic haze. Realization hits and Vaike hobbles like only a drunk man can to his feet."Aw shit. Miriel!" He pushes rudely past people staggering after her.
"That was fun," I say as I watch him leave.
"This is why I tell Sully not to drink," Stahl says as he drops his face into his hands. "Tomorrow is going to be horrible."
"I'm more worried about Vaike," Sumia murmurs.
I don't know what's going on with those two but I hope it turns out well. One stupid night shouldn't ruin whatever they got growing between them. Vaike just needs to figure out how to be tactful about it.
Looking around, I notice that we're the only ones left. Everyone is either off with a partner or dancing. "I guess we're the leftovers tonight," I muse.
"The leftovers?" Sumia questions.
"Yep, no partners. We're living the single's life," I say while doing a horrible dance in place.
"Don't be silly Robin. No one has a partner in the Shepherds," Sumia continues.
"Not yet," I say. "I'm getting some definite signals that it won't be the case much longer though."
"Hm." Stahl doesn't look too thrilled about that.
"So now that the Loser Brigade has assembled, what do you all want to talk about," I say as I throw an arm around each of them.
"Well I was talking with Miriel earlier about Regna Ferox. This country has some amazing biodiversity in its ecosystems," Stahl starts.
"Woah, smarty pants Stahl here. What's so unique then?" I ask in curiosity. I don't know much about plants aside from kitchen herbs but I've always found the subject fascinating enough.
"Well, for one, did you know the mountain hosts at least three different varieties of the Dawnbell flower? It's the reason why the northeastern villages are so famous for their healers."
"I love Dawnbells!" Sumia exclaims. "What colors? I'm preferential to the pink tipped ones from Valm."
Stahl looks off in contemplation, tapping his foot. "I know for sure blue since I order them all the time for my salves. Miriel mentioned a yellow and a purple species in the high hills."
"Huh, didn't take you for an alchemy kind of guy Stahl." I think I remember some of his supports mentioning this though.
He runs a hand through his messy hair and speaks with a bashful tone. "It runs in the family. We have a fairly prosperous apothecary that we run next to a clinic in a town just west of Ylisstol. I'm no master like my father and brother but I do know the basics. Dawnflowers are above my skills but I might as well send some home if I can. They're rare in Ylisse, outside of the white and pink-tipped ones we get in bulk from importers."
"The market was pretty packed with stuff. Maybe you can try there," I suggest.
"That's actually a great idea! I'll stop by before we leave tomorrow."
Sumia looks genuinely excited. "May I come with? I'm very interested in the purple Dawnflower."
"Sure Sumia. Are you into gardening?"
"Oh no! This is for-" she catches herself before continuing, "for another type of hobby. There's some interesting properties surrounding the Dawnflower I would like to use it for."
"It does! Purple Dawnflowers have an excellent ability to stave off stomach cramps as well as digestive problems if consumed. And if you crush the petals and mix them with a bit of rosewater, it makes a great perfume. Well, if you're into that sort of thing."
Not what Sumia meant by properties Stahl. I think she was more along the terms of fortunetelling...
"O-of course," Sumia agrees, playing off what he says.
Stahl certainly know his subject matter. I've never seen him talk so much before. "You might be interested in the yellow Dawnflower Sumia. I think that may be more up your alley. The petals are very popular with desserts. My mother once infused a tart with yellow Dawnflower crème and it was amazing!"
Sumia perks up even more now. "Goodness, I never even knew! I wouldn't have considered it for something like that. Did she dissolve them in something or simply steep the petals until flavored enough?"
While I find Stahl's insight valuable for my own cooking curiosity, the developing scene before me is far more juicy to watch. I would never have pegged them for it but Stahl and Sumia get along really well. Too well. Their hobbies intersect in more ways than one.
Somehow the conversation moves from tarts, to crusts, to pot pies and I am all but forgotten in the background. So much for the Loser Brigade. More like Solo Alone-o club. Boring.
I distract myself with the dance floor, watching friends and strangers both moving to the music. Off to the left, a group of Feroxi partiers have set up a Ye Olde Conga Line with young couples running hand and hand in a line under the raised arms of others on both sides of them. There's a crusty old couple clearly in love dancing to some waltz in a tempo all of their own. The gleeful screams of children fill the air as a burly father lifts an armful of young daughters and swings with them in a wild circle. I find myself smiling as I watch these tiny glimpses into other people's lives dance by. This is a hard world but it's moments like these that people fight and work for. Should we be standing here letting the fun pass us by? Nope.
"Hey Stahl, why don't you take Sumia out to the floor." The suggestion just slides out.
"Huh?"
"You heard me. Be a gentleman and ask the lady to dance," I push as supportively as I can. I'd rather have myself left alone on the sides than my friends. Especially when they are getting along together so swimmingly.
"Robin?" Sumia asks, confused by my suggestion.
"What? As far as I can see, what's there to stop you. Have fun while you have the chance. When's the next time you think you'll be invited to a Khan's party?"
"I couldn't! I mean-"
"I don't want to impose-"
"Shush! Both of you." I start pushing them to the floor. "Dance and be merry."
Sumia looks back over her shoulder. "What about you Robin? I don't want to leave you back here alone."
"Bah. Leave me and my old lady bones alone."
I stop when I reach the edge of the dance floor. Stahl and Sumia both stand next to each other quiet in their own awkwardness. They clearly don't know what to say. There's no reason not to dance with each other. I think they just never considered it.
Finally, Stahl lets out a defeated sigh. He puts on a lopsided grin and extends a hand shyly to Sumia. "Would you care for a dance my Lady?"
The pegasus knight flusters up and hides her face behind her hands. The encroaching blush on her cheeks is barely hidden behind her hands. "Oh my. My first dance..." she murmurs. Gently, Sumia stretches out her dainty hand and places it in his own. "I-I'd be honored Stahl. Thank you."
"Aw, nothing like a friendly dance. Go have fun you crazy kids," I wave.
Stahl's face lights up and he eagerly leads Sumia into the crowd. She throws back a sympathetic look but I shoo her on. I know Sumia and Stahl aren't a possible thing according to the games but gosh darn if they don't look cute together. I wonder if anyone else is 'pairing up,' so to say.
Overhead, the sky rumbles to life. I feel the first droplet of rain hit the back of my neck. The clouds are heavy with precipitation as they roll over us.
From her place at the high table I see Flavia stand. The Khan slams her tankard down to the table and cranes her head back to look at the sky. Her laughter echoes loud over the music. "What a fortuitous eve it is today my friends! Even the ancestors have come to join our festivities! Listen to the sky rumble with their dancing. See the clouds flash with the passion in their hearts! Feel their tears of laughter and joy on your faces. The fresh born alliance of Regna Ferox and Ylisse is surely blessed!"
A chorus of cheers erupts from the Feroxi attendees. Their voices mix with the gentle patter of droplets as the warm spring rain starts to pour down around us.
Flavia slides over the table in one smooth motion knocking plates and mugs aside in her wake. She thumps back to the ground and bounds across the front to the center floor. Her face is flushed with drink and her hair is drooping under the weight of the rain, hanging around her in a wild mess. Despite her appearance, the Khan's eyes are bright with mirth. "What are you waiting for you drunken bastards? You dishonor your kin with your laziness. Get out here and dance until the spirit leaves you breathless!"
From his corner of the table, Basilio takes a long, heavy swig from his own tankard. He leans back until he gets the very last of it then promptly tosses it over his shoulder. His chair buckles backward as the giant leaps to his feet and slams both forearms on the table top. "Woman, you'd offend every ancestor we got with that piss-poor twitching you call dancing. Let a real Khan show you how to appease the spirits!"
Basilio moves to where the musicians sit. He cracks his knuckles and then plunks down next to an elderly man surrounded by an assortment of percussion. "Fabrius, hand me my favorite!"
The musician nods his wizened head and reaches into the vast array of instruments. His spindly arms struggle to pull a massive looking wooden drum across his lap. Basilio leans over to help, his biceps utterly blocking out the other man's head. The West Khan pulls the drum before him and rolls it into a better position. "You all know this men! Follow my beat," he says to the band around him. He then turns to the people gathered. "Grab yourself a pretty lass or a handsome lad and show us that Feroxi pride my friends! The night is young!"
His deep baritone bellows out a rapid count as he begins a steady beat along the rim of the drum. The sound is hollow but echoes deeply in the courtyard. After a few rounds the other drum player begins to beat on a smaller drum. Lighter in tone, it's like watching a timpani play with a snare. The two begin a rapid exchange of intertwining beats that seem to be setting the tone for melody and harmony. The others around them start to bob their heads, fingers poised over their own instruments. Slowly the one with the lute enters the fray, followed by a wooden flute, and then whatever they consider a violin.
It's hard to describe the sound. There's such a unique fusion of flavors in the way they play. The backbone has a distinct medieval feel, like the stuff you hear at Renaissance fairs. It's quick and light, the primary point being the flute. But the heavy drums add a distinct flair of their own. Combined with the way two of the men have begun to sing, I can see Basilio's own sea coast roots coming in. It's bleedin' catchy and I find my foot starting to tap to the rhythm.
People are beginning to disperse around me. The central garden area is flooded with bodies. They moves in pairs and sometimes in groups of three or four. The routine dance patterns have been thrown away for freestyle form. Some groups twirl, others sway, and one even does a horrid version of a can-can.
Over the many heads I catch sight of Raimi dragging Kellam into the center. Nearly matching his height, the two tower over the rest as they enter in some awkward spinning match. Raimi's face is set dead serious but Kellam couldn't look any happier. You know what? Screw it. Good on you Kellam. Be happy you loveable lug.
They aren't the only ones I see either. Stahl and Sumia are stepping in tune to the same dance pattern. They have one arm around the other's waist and they trade intertwining steps as they work around each other in a rapid pattern. It's fast and they move with a flurry of laughter and big smiles.
"Still back here Robin? Can't have that now after what our hosts just said."
Before I can turn to see the speaker, I feel a tug at my right hand. The force continues and pulls me forward as I let out protesting yelp. What the-
"Chrom?" His name comes out as an incredulous squeak.
Said person turns around and starts walking backward while easing me forward. He nods and gives me the most disarming smile I have ever encountered. "Stop hiding in the back. You need to be out with the rest of us."
Out there? As in the dance floor? Oh no no no! That is not happening. I don't dance like that. My list of dance moves consist of the Lawnmower, the Sprinkler, and the classic Travolta disco shuffle. I cannot folk dance!
I start to tug back, digging my heels into the now wet soil. "Noooo, bad idea. You don't want to see me dance. In fact, the last person I danced with nearly died when I almost pushed my foot through his kidney. See, public menace."
Ugh, there's that stupid smile again."You can't be as bad as the rest of us. In fact, I don't think you can get any worse than that fellow over there."
I cast a quick peek in the direction he implies. A thin, willowy fellow in little more than his pantaloons is standing on the fountain doing some sort of wild shimmy while waving his elbows in a flapping motion. Medieval chicken dance?
Protesting is kind of pointless. Chrom's stronger than me two times over. And when he gets some notion in his head than there's no chance of him letting go of it given his stubborn nature. Curses.
My left hand flies up to my hood and clamps down on it to keep it from falling back under a sudden spurt of wind. Given the thickness of my coat, I'm probably one of the few people still remotely dry given how long this rain has been coming down. It's not a violent one, there's just a lot of water. Speaking of being soaked...
"Does Frederick know you looked like a drowned frog?" I yell to Chrom over the music. That's a blatant lie used for rhetorical purposes. This stupid prince and his stupid prince powers make him look amazing regardless. If anything, the way the rain has dampened his hair and darkened it makes it really compliment his eyes. Woooooah, there girl. Easy on the ogling and focus on escaping this disaster waiting to happen.
"Frederick's too busy handling my sister at the moment. No doubt I'll hear of it later," he replies.
"Wait a minute! Lissa is with Frederick? I thought she was with you."
Chrom stops tugging at me and we come to a stop smack dab in the middle of the tiny courtyard. "Lissa," Chrom says with a roll of the eyes, "does not find it fun, nor romantic, to dance with her brother. So I let her pick her desired partner."
I stare at him quizzically. "And she picked Frederick? Why?"
"I didn't have time to think about it before she stormed off. Not that I mind. Frederick's the one person I don't have to worry about with her besides myself." Chrom suddenly straightens up and then crosses his arms. "That's besides the point. Sumia tells me you've been in the back the whole evening. That's certainly not the way to celebrate a win."
"Did she now?" I say suspiciously. Sumia, you crafty little fox. Of course she would have Chrom force me out to dance floor with everyone else. I can't say no to him being our leader and all. Too bad she overlooked a small detail.
"Listen, I would be out here but I'm not one for dancing solo. It just feels weird. And since no one's left to pair up with...No partner, no dance," I respond. Flawless victory. "It's not that big a deal. Now if you excuse me, I would like to get some cheese..."
Chrom steps in my way blocking my escape route."That may have been the case before but you have a willing partner now."
"I do?" His statement catches me off guard. I look to his left and then his right expecting to see someone I may have missed. Nope, not a single person is paying attention to us. Maybe they're still coming? "Uh...who?"
He continues to stare at me with this obvious look on his face but I only return the stare expectantly. Chrom starts to look a tad uncomfortable and shifts uneasily on his feet. Finally he sighs and points to himself. "I'm offering to be your partner." He quickly adds, "If you want that is."
...
...
...
Well then!
My slack-jawed silence seems to give off a negative effect. Chrom's prior enthusiasm drains away and gives way to uncertainty. He looks like I've just turned down his offer to Prom.
My flat-lined brain jumps back to life and my thoughts come together. "You...I, uh...okay then," I babble trying to find words. "So, problem solved I guess," my voice cracks. Ugh, so smooth Robin.
The tempo of the music changes to something less urgent and more jumpy, like a tavern tune a bard might sing. The rain has yet to let up and I'm starting to feel the dampness leaking through the material of my coat. Great. I'll be waterlogged in no time.
"That's a yes then?" It may be my ears tricking me but Chrom's tone sounds almost hopeful.
I give out a grieved groan of protest. "It is." I reach out and poke him hard in the chest. "You're lucky I like you enough otherwise I would be outta here. My personal reputation is going to take a plunge after this public display."
Chrom laughs lightly while he brushes some of his wet bangs from out of his eyes. "I'll try my best to keep your image intact."
"Easier said than done," I banter playfully back. I start to raise my hands and then realize I have no idea what to do. The only thing I know how to do with a partner is those horrible close slow dances you do at junior Prom. I don't know a thing about this world's dances. My hands stay airborne and I shake them uselessly. "What do I do now?"
Chrom blinks. "I suppose you...hm. I didn't think that far ahead." He scans the people around us. Everyone looks to be doing their own thing. "I guess we do whatever we wish."
"Not helping my dear partner. This lowborn tactician is ignorant to all things dance related."
Chrom tilts his head in thought. "Alright, how about a simple ronde from Rosanne. It's only a few steps and easy to maneuver."
"So I...?"
"First you-," he cuts off as he steps closer. Chrom pauses with the faintest of hesitations. "Do you mind if I..." He makes a wordless gesture toward my hands. How quaint. It's embarrassingly cute that chivalry demands he ask permission to hold my hand.
"Sure," I try to say with confidence. I don't even remember the last time I danced with someone. It's been a long time since I was ever in that position. As far as I remember, I didn't have a boyfriend since the first year of college and there's no silly family weddings I recently attended.
Chrom's hands are surprisingly warm in contrast to the chill of the rain. Oddly enough, my stomach does a small somersault when we touch. He rests them politely under my own leaving them to lie open palmed against each other. Aside from that, there's no other contact to be made. A simple dance meant for the chaste court life.
He steps back until our arms are barely stretched. "This is all about timing. Just follow the pattern and you'll be fine." He takes me step by step slowly through a rather short set of interchanging moves that end in a ninety degree spin before the pattern resets. Not bad for the normal person but my rhino feet seem to drag a half a beat behind each step. As we round to start the dance anew, my heel comes crunching down on Chrom's left foot.
My whole body stiffens in shock and apology after apology falls from my mouth as I back away in fear. Chrom's brief wince of pain quickly disappears and he catches me before I can escape away.
"It's fine," he says though he's clearly masking the pain. "Just follow with me, not against me. You're pulling far too much."
"I am? Sorry about that. I'm just trying to concentrate hard on the timing," I apologize pathetically. Right, the guy leads and the girl flows with it. I think I can remember that. Now I just have to keep counting.
Okay. One, two, three, four. Cross-step. Step, two, three, four. Turn. Step, two, four, cross-No wait! Crap!
I rush too fast and skip a beat causing me to launch too early into the transition move. I go to twist and lose my balance without Chrom's partnering move to support me.
I let out a garbled string of cusses as I start to pitch over. Chrom luckily still has a good grip on my one arm and has enough strength to keep me from going completely down.
"Sorry," I apologize for the umpteenth time.
"Maybe we should try something else."
"Here's an idea," I huff in exasperation as I twist around to face him. "How about we shove this proper formality. I was never one for structure anyway."
He looks surprised, then unsure of my declaration. "And what do you propose we do then?"
"Do as the Feroxi do, move where the spirits take us!"
Honestly, I never cared for the structured dance. I get the feeling that my dancing semester in gym class was probably my most feared time of year. It makes no sense to me to create a restrained stepping pattern to a dance. Music is expression, wild and free. Every song is an art piece meant to be appreciated in its own individual way by the listener. So why force yourself to dance to someone else's beat when you have your own way unique to yourself? I'm not knocking waltzes or salsas. Freestyle is just more my thing.
His eyes widen as I clamp my hands on his shoulders and start dragging him in a circle. "You're supposed to be leading Chrom," I tease.
He starts to move with me but his arms stay suspended awkwardly at his sides. "Where do I...?"
How ironic that we've now switched roles. I snort in response to his question. "Hips, sides, shoulders, anywhere but my butt. I'd hope you have more manners than that."
"By the Gods, Robin!" He protests with a good-natured laugh. Chrom ends up settling his palms very, very lightly on the curve just above my hips. And I mean lightly cause I can barely feel the pressure of his hands. "My dance instructor would be appalled by this."
"Your dance instructor is probably an old prune who hasn't seen ass in forty years. Now make with the dancing you promised or I'm going back to the sidelines!"
And Naga as my witness, do we do just that.
There's no rhyme or reason to what we do. We simply let our feet carry us wherever. The two of us are always off balance, either from my own lack of grace or Chrom being a chivalrous dork and trying to keep enough respectable space between us. Toes are stepped on, bystanders are bumped, and I let out one magnificent shriek when Chrom pulls some Dancing with the Stars shit and does a quick lift. He really is lucky we've got this friend thing going on or I would have wailed on him for that little stunt.
The final chord of the song ends with a resounding note that cracks in time with another roll of thunder. I fall back, breathless. I place a hand on my chest and try to take in air between the broken bouts of laughter. God, did that feel good. When was the last time I had fun? It's almost like everything had gone back to normal for a moment. I was just another young adult out partying with friends and enjoying the carefree flow of life. Being able to laugh and dance like this again is the best thing I could hope for right now and boy if it wasn't the medicine I needed.
"Well that was something," I say between gasps.
"Indeed," Chrom replies breathlessly. He's got his hands on his hips and he's bent slightly forward trying to catch his own breath. His face is flushed red from the dance and he looks so young and unburdened. It's a sharp reminder that he's really only a nineteen year old young man despite being a military captain and leader of a nation.
I feel a pang in my heart at that thought. Where I come from, you've only just begun to live as an adult in society. At nineteen you've barely tasted freedom and responsibility. Most of us are still living the free life coasting through college or trade schools. Life is partying, exploring yourself, and tasting love for the first time. War is something on the news you flip past without a second thought. Death is reserved for your childhood goldfish or that great aunt you've only seen once a year.
I feel this sudden protectiveness surge through me. Like, I want to just kick the crap out of Plegia right now and end this stupid war before it even begins. I want Chrom and Lissa and Frederick and everyone else to just go home, hug their families, and do the things normal people do. I want them to know peace like I know it.
"Something amiss?"
Chrom's voice interrupts my thoughts. I realize I've been gawking and shake my head in protest. "It's nothing. Just contemplating the deepest secrets of the universe. A lack of oxygen to the head will do that," I joke.
"Oh, good. I was afraid something was on my face."
"Chrom, a Risen could start growing from your face and you'd still look handsome."
That certainly embarrasses him. "Gods you are one bold woman, you know that?"
"Comes with the package deal. An abundance of untapped potential but burdened with snark and spontaneity. Regrets?"
"Not at all," he says confidently. The music starts anew just like before and Chrom holds his hand out again."Care for another round?"
"Why the hells not? I've already compromised my dignity so I might as well hit rock bottom. Lead on!"
That one dance turns into two, then three. The night spins around me in a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions as the music of a strange and different place guides me on. The storm breaks only for a moment before it begins anew in another brilliant display of power and light. The ground splashes under our feet and the air's fresh and alive as the grime is washed away. The torches may have sputtered out but the fires in our souls burn bright under the stars overhead.
I think that, just for the moment, I'll pretend that everything is okay.
I want to remember what it's like to be alive and free.
Just for a moment longer.
A/N - Once upon a time I had a clear idea for this story. This chapter was vastly different back when this was all just an idea on paper. But then you lovely people came around and gave me ideas and now everything is different and it's beautiful and horrible all at once. I'm pushing my limits as a writer into places I've been hesitant to approach and it's been tough. I'm scared shitless of writing romances and fluff but this was worth stepping into the unknown for. Thank you all for pushing me into the deep end. This is for all you people. Take these feels! Take all the feels! Roll in them until you feel the feels no more!
And happy unbirthday to you Stahl/Sumia shippers. And to Mr. Wobbly who gets a fierce Sully knockout.
Enjoy.
Review Responses (Oh my God, so many D: ) -
Amplifyingly Loud - I did do a thing. I hope you like the thing. The thing is most fun :)
I'm glad you like the Kellam/Raimi bit. I'm on a creaky rowboat by myself but I hold my duct-taped flag high and will sink to the murky depths with it.
Guest - Aw, thank you! I wish I could bake you all virtual cookies to have to help with the waits. Ha ha, I wonder where she gets them indeed...
Darthstriker - I'm glad you like the magic! I wanted to make it a little different from the norm. Miriel talks a lot in her supports about modern day physics so I imagine that combining magic (which probably has its own set of rules in their world) with those same principles is something she along with other mages do regularly.
Robin will be developing a lot faster soon! Of course angst can be a great accelerant for that. And believe me, there will be some. As the great Henry once said, "Oh yes, there will be blood."
Hope you like the shippy-ness. I think I did some justice to it?
Mark-Kris Robin - Lucina forfeited for certain reasons which may be brought up next chapter. No spoilers now though. Glad you loved the chapter! It was one of my favorites to write. I was dying to get that wyvern scene done, ha ha!
Luciz - Lucina and Robin's relationship is probably the most complex one in the whole series. I have a lot of time written into their exchanges because of how heavily intertwined they are though they don't know it just yet. There are certainly a lot of questions and hopefully some will be answered next chapter. Of course, it may just open up more in response...
OneShotMasta - Your reviews are always the best to read. :) Keep hanging on and don't look down! Oh wait...Well don't let go!
LeonPianta - Yeah Frederick's still a butt for reasons. In the game, he still quotes having mistrust for Robin up until the battle at the Wall. Going that long while still having issues tells me Frederick had some deep seated problems the two had to work out. They've had their thing though and everything is going to get better from here. Their relationship is kind of this sibling rivalry where they show affection through verbal jabs but there's no hard feelings. Frederick just has a lot of pride and Robin's too snarky.
You know, I'm half convinced to make Gregor some godly sex symbol in this world now. Pseudo-Slavic rugged manliness. That's pretty tight. XD
BrowncoatJedi - Yay! Someone caught the Monty Python reference! The situation is so perfect! Raimi's on a tall wall and Robin's shouting up in frustration. Perfection! Thank you for the insight! It's valued and appreciated! I hate missing spelling errors so thank you for pointing out they still exist. Time for another run through!
Guardian54 - If I ever write Excellus as anything but a horribly foppish douche then I give everyone on this site permission to take this story away from me until I regain my senses. Sexy Excellus is a punishment I wish on no one.
Raven Tsurara - Dang, I escape the spelling errors but screw up on grammar. How did I pass my English classes?! Thank you for the compliments! Wyvern kid is certainly mysterious and has a big role. Some of the other reviewers are close to guessing them so peek around and see what you can find!
Gueeest - Heh, I can't wait to mess with Lon'qu. The poor man ;D
Ensu - That line was utterly intentional. Good luck trying to figure out how the logic behind it works though. ;) That was my favorite chapter and had all the best of my story in it so I'm glad you dug it. I hope I can keep that caliber of work going. Thanks for reviewing again!
A Shadow's Lament - Fun fact: Lon'qu had potential to be a front runner for Robin in the very beginning draft stages when I toyed with pairing her with someone. I've toned down the involvement due to changes but it doesn't mean she can't still ogle the crap out of him. -3-
Glad you liked Lucina. She's by far the scariest to write. She's the best of her dad but with a darker flair thanks to her future. Still love the kid regardless. I'm especially glad to know the Khans came out in one piece. I love them far too much for my own good.
Hi - Well hello Hi! Thanks for stopping in :) Hope you liked the new chapter.
Mr. Wobbly - My, your comments put me to shame. Thank you. I hope I fulfilled your request to your liking!
Ruu - Yeah, the wyvern scene was meant to make you face palm or laugh. Wyvern rider is full of stupid humor antics which gives them their charm. I desperately want to comment on all of your questions about the missing Robin but I'm keeping a tight lip. The speculation is half the fun, isn't it!
CrimsonHeresy - Thanks for reviewing again! You're in luck because that's what the next chapter is all about! Stay tuned!